BUSINESS & PROFESSIONAL To Network Or Not To Work wo women were talking recently at a local deli. "How are you doing?" one asked. numbers of online social networking tools that can send you on your way to building lifelong relationships with basis. His big secret, something I rec- ommend all the time, is reaching out to other people. "At least I am still working," she replied. "You are?" said the first. "My contract is getting cut and I don't know what to do." colleagues, friends and mentors. You are not an island. If you get a call from someone who wants to meet, keep an open mind. ful people from everyone else is the way they use the power of relation- ships so that everyone If these women want to continue working, they need to ramp up their networking efforts before their jobs Certainly this person wants something from you but what if the same person can end. Quite frankly, it all boils down to a simple math problem: The more people you know, the more opportunities you connect you to something new? Think twice before you say no to a 30-minute meet- ing. If one of your contacts T will get. Network or don't work — the choice is yours. There are more options than ever "What distinguishes highly success- wins," Ferrazzi writes. The most critical element to good networking is to i4ifigeor- keep doing it. Never stop. No matter what tools you choose to network, remem- lows or not. Keep your mutual con- tact in the loop. • Don't brag about whom you know. You will lose credibility if you suggest you can hook up someone with a big wig to impress others if you really cannot do it. • Start every week with a list of prospects — those you know and those you want to know. Each Monday, start making calls or e-mails and make sure you schedule one new meeting by Friday. • Follow up on every call, every e- and opportunities. Local coffee shops often host these groups, so check the ber these basic rules: • Networking is a two- way street. If you want person in the loop and thank leads, provide leads to Rober t S. Sher them for the introduction. others. Col umnist In the book Never Eat • Don't be overbearing or Alone, networking guru and too aggressive. You would author Keith Ferrazzi says not say "I love you" on a networking is "never simply about first date. Figure out a way to build getting what you want. It's about get- the relationship and determine the ting what you want and making sure best ways to work together and help bulletin boards for meeting times. You can stay in the loop with or without a computer. Add technology that the people who are important to you get what they want too." Ferrazzi suggests "pinging" — reaching those each other. • Don't forget to say thank you to anyone who introduces you to any- business coach. He is former CFO and partner and you get continuously increasing in your circle of contacts on a regular one else — whether opportunity fol- His e-mail address is: info@bobsher.com . for networking. Groups meet for every industry in every geographic area. Read local synagogue newsletters, industry trade journals, business pub- lications and meeting lists; you will find many good networking groups suggests you meet some- one, do it; and keep that mail message and every lead. We are all busy, but failure to follow up sends the message that you don't care. You don't want to miss out on any oppor- tunity. There is no time like the present to choose networking, the most positive option around, to help keep your head in the game. ___ --- Robert Sher, CPA, is a certified executive and for Schostak Brothers & Company, Southfield. Choose the right tools for the task at hand. you can borrow our toolbox. -ZeW CO WA,Okihro \-\06 kc\i