Has your network been served?

Would your network tip you for the service you provide?

Call me crazy, but I’m someone that actually enjoys networking.

I love meeting new people, creating connections, and finding ways to work with others.

I think of my network as a real-live group of people – not just names in a contact database – that I get an opportunity to help and learn from – and I think that outlook helps me to enjoy it.

There are three things I focus on when building my network:

Share who you know. I’ve made it a habit to connect people with common interests – be it business or personal. It might be an email, a LinkedIn message, or a tweet – but I’m very aware of looking for common ground – and so I find it more often.

I used to shy away from doing this because I thought making a connection implied I was somehow accountable for what happens from there. But I came to realize that a connection and referral aren’t the same thing – and I was able to let go of feeling responsible for any outcomes. It then became so much easier (and fun!) to connect people.

Share what you know. When I come across articles, web sites, or events that I think my network might benefit from I give that information to those people. I appreciate it when someone takes the time to send me a personal email or tweet with a valuable piece of information and I want to do that for others.

I’ve learned that it’s OK if it’s my article, website, or event I share – as long as it’s genuine and not a hard sell – and that I’m always sharing more (lots more) than I’m promoting.

Share in a genuine way. When you are 100% yourself, and do the above two things in a way that represents you (I could use the word “authentic” here, but I think that’s such an overused word) you create a winning situation for you and your network. Actions like listening attentively, making eye contact, responding promptly to messages, and asking engaging questions all show that you care.

People remember you for that, and they’re more likely to think of you the next time a business or connection opportunity arises!