Networking… for some this conjures up a complete paralysis and for others a “what’s in it for me?” attitude. I believe both of these options are useless and do nothing to further our business community if it is to flourish and prosper.

From my perspective, networking is about, learning about others, their needs, motivations and humanity behind the mask.

So yes we are all in business, but isn’t business really just a group of relationships all stacked together?

Long term customers are those we have the best relationships with. Short term customers are where the relationship falls short of the long term. Most business gurus talk about how the repeat customer is really the gold standard, takes fewer resources to maintain and is a better source of referrals.

So consider the options… You can network with the “fist closed, what’s in it for me” attitude or you can start the dance of a relationship with honesty, humanity and genuine interest in those you meet. Plus you get to feel good about your relationships because that’s what they are… relationships as networking. So much more than just another customer.

Next time you want to network, don’t measure success by how many business cards you collect but rather by how many lives you touch.

“I hate the giving of the hand unless the whole man accompanies it.” ~ Ralph Waldo Emerson

PS - Feel free attend one of our networking events here in Reno. We strive to give meaningful, actionable information to business owners to help them succeed!