by Kelly Swanson

Created on: February 24, 2008   Last Updated: June 13, 2009

It's Still Who You Know...

It plays like a worn out record: It's not what you know, it's who you know. Connections, connections, connections. There's a reason we hear that same tune over and over in business - because it's true. The key to success in business is having access to people who can make you successful - to cultivate a strong inner circle of trusted and powerful people that will answer the phone when you call. Many of us use this old adage (it's who you know)as an excuse for our lack of success - claiming it's just because we don't know the right people. While that may be true, the blame rests on you. It's your responsibility to network and it's easier than you think.

What a network provides
- Advice in areas where you may be lacking
- People who are out there selling you (word of mouth trumps a cold call any day)
- People who can see your business from a different perspective and help you grow
- People who remember you when they hit the top because of how you helped when they were on bottom

It's okay to ask for help
Many of us don't like asking for help. Get over it. That's what it's all about. You will be surprised how many people out there are willing and even eager to help you. But you have to ask.

You have to help others
It's a two-way street. You must cultivate a genuine sense of concern for helping others - whether you think it will pay off or not. Don't limit your help to what you think you will get in return. That's not the way it works. Help because you can. You must be more of a giver than a taker.

It's about building relationships not favors
And building relationships takes more than just a phone call from a stranger. You have to find situations where you can cultivate these relationships. There are benefits to networking among people who do what you do, and people who don't do what you do.

Take advantage of the internet
Networking has taken on a whole new face with advancing technology. It is now possible to grow your circle to include networking buddies all over the world. Start by searching for groups that already exist online and jump right in.

Start with who you already know
You might be surprised to find out that you are related to some powerful people already - or at least one person away from them. Contact your friends and relatives and ask them to give you leads and referrals. No better person to speak on your behalf than a friend who already believes in you.

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