The following are some basic beliefs of successful networkers that I’ve known over my years in business. I call these the characteristics of ‘’true networkers:'’

• They sincerely care about others and keep their eyes open for opportunities where they can collaborate, team up, and cross promote with other professionals. They are free with their advice and post answers to questions that others ask on mail-lists, newsgroups, message boards and chat forums. They do this in such a way that it doesn’t feel like an overt sales pitch to those who read their comments.
• They have an open mind and see possibilities that others don’t or can’t. They see the potential in helping to build others up, and thus build themselves up in the process.
• They are teachable. They like to get to know about other professions and learn how to view their business from new perspectives. Every industry has its standard way of operating and marketing. By associating with people in various industries, they learn to see new ways of marketing and managing their business that may not be typical for their industry.
• They believe there’s plenty to go around. A scarcity mentality is foreign to a true networker. Someone with a scarcity mentality believes that there are a finite number of resources, a finite number of ideas, a finite amount of money to be earned, and a finite number of talents given out to humans at birth. A true networker believes the opposite - there’s plenty to go around and the more you give, the more you get in return.
• They have an attitude of trust and trustworthiness. I’m not saying they’re gullible or naive. They make associations wisely, surround themselves with good people, and then trust them to do their part. You have to trust someone to refer them to another person. After all, it’s a reflection on you when you make a recommendation. Trust, but trust wisely.

The Internet is a networker’s paradise. Never in the history of humankind has it been so easy to share ideas, information, and leads with people around the world. Networking has never been easy for those who don’t want to spend the time on it. But the virtual arena leverages your time investment by making your ideas and strategies available to thousands with only a few keystrokes.

As you become more involved on-line, try to incorporate the beliefs of true networkers, and on-line success is sure to follow.

marnie@pwgroup.com
Author’s URL: http://www.MarniePehrson.com