In
the movie, Swingers, a guy (Trent) teaches his friend (Mikey) how to start
relationships or conversations with the opposite sex at lounges, bars, etc. He
helps Mikey get back out there in the social scene with friends and other
friends. By teaching Mikey how to interact with others, Trent is also shows how
to network but not intentionally. Mikey starts to develop a clear understanding
of how the social world works. He knows when to contact the person he just met
or how many times to call. He knows how the body language works to go ahead and
make his move. All these tricks and unwritten rules are very parallel to the
way someone should be when they start networking. From the
Muse networking advice articles, writer, Aja Frost, shares some suggestions
that are also parallel to the movie, Swingers. Modeling
successful people is a proven way to improve your own performance, what better
than to be able to model people up close and personal? The tribe you select
will have a profound impact on your work and life, so choose well. This is
quote is definitely a mirror image of the movie because Mikey`s friends
are helping him but sometimes they can ruin the way he likes to interact
with people.
Networking
is a powerful tool when looking for a job, extending your career, or anything
in the business and the non-business world. It`s the linking of people who
through other relationship building, become walking, talking advertisements for
one another. This type of advertisement is a on-going, never-ending technique.
Aja Frost gives this advice for people that feel like networking is fake.
"If you dislike networking, it’s probably
because it feels, well, fake. But rather than looking at it as a cold, calculated,
“you-scratch-my-back-I’ll-scratch-yours” deal, think of it as “an ongoing,
organic process of building relationships with people you like.”
To
expand your network and start your social life, get out there! This means visit
as many groups as possible that spark your interest. Go to events or parties to
socialize with peers or workers. Be aware of how people sound supportive of one
another. Are these people networking already and advertising other people?
Networking is about being genuine and supportive. Aja also gave this advice,
"You have to build the trust and relationships and seeing how you can help
others expand as well. Opportunities like joint ventures, client
leads, partnerships, speaking and writing gigs, businesses or assets bought and
sold … you name it." You want to leave your mark as your a powerful source for others. Everything
from prime domain sales through to employment opportunities. If two people are
equally qualified then it goes to who you know, like and trust. When you are known as a
strong resource, people remember to turn to you for suggestions, ideas, names
of other people, etc. This keeps you visible to them and memorable. Once you
have met someone who can benefit to you, follow up with them. Express that you
enjoyed meeting them, and ask if you could get together and share ideas. You
don't want to follow up the following day, wait a few days or a week. This I
learned was from the movie, Swingers. You don't want to seem desperate but you
want to sound interested. Don't wait too long and miss your opportunity. You
should follow through quickly and efficiently on referrals you are given. When
people give you referrals, your actions are a reflection on them. Respect and
honor that and your referrals will grow. Referrals are huge with networking!
Therefore, your appearance, personality, professionalism, and work-ethic,
affects those referrals and your reputation in the business world. The business
world is very small, so that is the most important thing to keep doing while
networking.
