COVER STORY: NETWORKING
T
here was a time in
my life when I didn't
focus on building my
network. Although
I knew the utility in
business networking,
I ignored it. I left it for others to do for
me. Partners. Associates. Friends. But
what I've discovered over time is that
there is real potency in the ability to build
rapport and create long-lasting bonds
through effective business networking.
It truly isn't about what you know. Sure,
what you know is important. But what's
far more important is who you know.
There's a reason why certain people can
make so much progress in such a brief
period. These business networking
power players command the room by
bringing the right people together.
As an entrepreneur, if there's one thing
that you should focus on, it's to become a
truly skilled business networker. But the
truth is that so many of us struggle with
this. For me, as an introvert, it's always
been hard. I was never the outgoing type. I
was never really able to network like a real
pro. But when I realized just how powerful
of a tool this was, I threw myself into it.
I knew that, in my genesis for writing this
piece, there was one person that I could turn
to for advice in this arena. It's a person who
can so quickly build rapport with others
that it's mind-boggling. Often called one of
the most well-networked individuals in the
world, Joe Polish dishes out what it takes to
become a truly brilliant business networker.
Tim Ferris, of the iconic 4 Hour Workweek,
who's also one of the biggest influencers
in modern day business, says, "I've seen
many people who have good networks, but
I've never seen a better network than the
network that Joe has. Joe is absolutely the
best door-opener I've ever seen." Brendon
Burchard calls him "the most connected and
caring guy in the industry," while Sir Richard
Branson says that "he's doggedly determined
and never gives up and has a big heart."
WHY BUSINESS NETWORKING
IS SO IMPORTANT.
Polish is a firm believer in adding lots
of value to the world. While most don't
realize it, it's the world's most effective
communicators who know how to not
only use verbal and non-verbal cues to help
them understand and dissect others, but
also to adhere to certain principles to make
rapid progress and build rapport quickly.
Considering that much of the world is out
for personal gain, real networking never
happens by taking. It happens by giving.
And while we could likely list hundreds of
reasons why it's so important to get good at
networking in business, there are essentially
5 core reasons at the heart of it. If you've ever
had one of those friends who seems to know
everyone, then you know the effectiveness
in building rapport on a massive scale.
People that are well-networked have access
to certain things that most others could
only dream about. I'm not just talking
about knowing other people. I'm talking
about things that are exclusive that often
don't get offered to the public. Meals,
entertainment, speaking engagements,
meet-ups, trips, private events, movie
premiers, restaurant openings and so on.
But its utility extends far beyond the so-
called superficial. We're talking about the
underlying ability to move ideas forward
by bringing the right people together.
Imagine having an idea for a business
that's so wonderful, that you can pick up
the phone and call four or five people,
quickly turning that idea into a reality.
This extends far beyond the recreational
value that comes from knowing so many
people. I'm talking about the ability to turn
your business network into cold hard cash.
Thoughts are most certainly things, but the
right thoughts in the right person's hands
can truly make an extraordinary difference.
You can't do everything on your own:
You can't expect to wear every hat all the
time. And if you don't know the right
9
people you could reach out to, or you don't
understand how to delegate, you could
find yourself struggling with your time.
Effective networkers know this and take it
to heart, doing what they can to collaborate
and help others in order to pay it forward.
Increase in referrals and opportunities:
Polish says that while you should
most certainly approach your business
networking with more of a giving attitude,
what often happens is that it helps to
create more referrals and opportunities
in your own business. That's just the
nature of giving without the expectation
of getting anything in return.
Helps you build authority and create
lasting impact: As you meet more people,
and you focus on quality relationships over
quantity, you naturally build authority over
time. In turn, you create a lasting impact.
People remember you as the connector and
involve you in a variety of interpersonal
relationships, and you likely become the
reason for great partnerships forming.
Improves self-worth by learning to help
others: Helping others and effectively
contributing your time improves your
self-worth. You simply feel better at
the end of the day, like you made a
difference. That comes about by helping
others to achieve their goals. In turn,
they
look to
help you A
when
needed.
IT'S
ONLY
DRY
Develops
life-long
PIECE
OF friendships
BREAD and
bonds: Some of the strongest bonds
YET
TO in SOME
formed
happen
the process IT
of adding
value to the lives of others. It says a lot
MEANS
about
the type of SO
person MUCH.
who really goes
out of their way to assist and alleviate
pain or problems in someone else's life.
HOW TO BUILD
"MAGICAL" RAPPORT.
Overall, there are 10 ways to build what
Polish calls, "Magical Rapport". It's part of
his formula for networking at the highest
level. Most of the items in his list make
complete sense. Some might go contrary
to the way most of the world operates.
GENIUSNETWORK.COM