Weekly Spotlight: The Keys to Networking in “Never Eat Alone”
February 22, 2008
Want to know the key to success? Want to know the one thing, the ONE THING you can do to rise to the top of whichever industry you choose?
Me too. That’s why I picked up a copy of Keith Ferrazzi’s book “Never Eat Alone: And Other Secrets To Success, One Relationship At A Time.” As the founder and CEO of Ferrazzi Greenlight, a marketing and sales consulting company, I had a feeling he might have the answer. What is it? One word: networking.
In his book, Ferrazzi emphasizes the importance of meaningful relationships and gives insightful tips on just how to make that happen. Here are some of his best pointers:
- Figure out your goals. What kind of people can help you get there?
- Find a “Board of Advisors” who will keep you on track if you start gong adrift. It can be a mentor, friends, family members or a coworker, just as long as they care about your success as much (alright, almost as much) as you do.
- Build before you need to. Don’t wait until you are out of a job or changing careers to find a networking community.
- Master small talk.
- Be bold, audacious even. Introduce yourself, shake hands and if you’re really impressed to be meeting someone let them know! Find a way to make people notice you without being overbearing.
- Remember to be on your game 24/7. Every time you come in contact with someone, it’s an opportunity.
- Finally, don’t become “The Networking Jerk.” As Ferrazzi describes it, he or she is the one “with a martini in one hand, business cards in the other, and a prerehearsed elevator pitch always at the ready.” Don’t go there.
As a final note, I will say the book isn’t only for people who want to go into the corporate world. You can learn a lot about making all of your relationships meaningful, whether it be with friends, professors, alumni or any person you come in contact with throughout the day. And networking seems easier than ever with technology’s help. Forget about being shy or nervous (something I myself struggle with) and start putting yourself out there. If not, you could miss out on meeting some really amazing people throughout life’s journey.
-Haley
Entry Filed under: Networking, Weekly Spotlight. Tags: blog, building a network, how to network, Keith Ferrazzi, Networking, Networking tips, Never Eat Alone, success, success secrets.
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1.
Jon | February 23, 2008 at 5:15 pm
Interesting….
I assume that Keith ‘learned’ some of those points at Deloitte.
I think the first 3 are the most potent (goals, advisors, and planning). if you master them, the other 4 usually fall-in-line.
2.
Meaghan | February 29, 2008 at 12:20 pm
For one who is not a typical “blog follower”, I found this post quite helpful. Not only am I not a “blog follower”, but I am also not entering the formal business world. However, I find that these tips are essential for life in general.
A succesful life is a life filled with successful, meaningful relationships and how else can you get those unless you are putting yourself out there?
Even the idea of not be a networking jerk applies. Do you really actually like the person you’re with better when they hardly have enough time to talk to you because they’re too busy saying, “Hi! How are you?” to so many people and not even listening to how those people reply???
Overall, good stuff. I’d like to see more!