Networking For Success
The people you meet today can become your single greatest resources for success
tomorrow. No matter who you are or what your goals may be, there will always be
somebody somewhere in a position to help you. The secret is to have as many of
those helpers as possible available to draw upon when the need arises.
As an AppleOne associate, you're already several steps ahead of the game. For one
thing, you know us, and we know A LOT of people. We can certainly help smooth
the way for you as you develop professionally, but you're also in a great position to
help yourself. It's the nature of our business that you will always be coming into
contact with new people. Learn to recognize these meetings as tremendous
opportunities, and before you know it you'll find that all your dreams are easily
within your reach.
Meeting people is the first step, but it's only a step. Months or years down the line,
this person may be in a position to help you, so your goal should be to make sure
they'll want to. One of the best ways to do that is to offer your help today. Nothing
will endear you to someone more than showing them you have their best interests at
heart. Begin to cultivate a genuine attitude of service to others. In addition to the
potential payoff down the road, it's a personally rewarding way to live. It just feels
good to help other people.
Of course it isn't always clear when you first meet somebody what you can do to
help them. There are, however, some techniques you can use to make every meeting
a success.
- First, smile. It's such a simple little thing, but it creates a huge impact. How
many times has your day been brightened by a cheerful smiling face? Make
your smile the brightest thing in the room, and people will be drawn to you.
- Second, call everybody by name. Use people's names frequently. As Dale
Carnegie said, "A person's name is to that person the sweetest and most
important sound in any language." If like most people, you have difficulty
remembering names, try this: When you meet someone for the first time, look
them in the eye and repeat their name. If you hear yourself saying it, it makes
it easier to remember. Try to use their name as often as possible throughout
the conversation. When you run into people again, you'll find you're
remembering a lot more names.
- Next, keep in mind that people love to receive compliments. Don't be stingy
with your praise. Naturally it's important to be sincere. We've all probably
met somebody whose insincere flattery made them seem as if they were after
something. It won't do you any good to project that kind of image, but if you
really do like somebody's new shoes, by all means tell them. You'll probably
make their day, and it cost you nothing.
- Finally, give people your undivided attention. People will like you more and
be more open with you if they feel you have similar interests. That doesn't
necessarily mean you have to be an expert on every subject. Most people
love to talk about themselves and their interests. If you give them
permission to do that by demonstrating that you are genuinely interested in
what they have to say, people will be happy to carry the conversation for
you. You'll learn something new, and the person you've been speaking with
will come away thinking you're one of the most fascinating
conversationalists in the world. Best of all, as they're discussing themselves
and their interests, you may just find out how you can help them to achieve
their own goals.