PAPERmaking! FROM THE PUBLISHERS OF PAPER TECHNOLOGY Volume 5, Number 1, 2019
The RIGHT mindset is to know that creating a big network is the smart thing to do, but also understanding that whatever comes should just come, you don’t need to actively be pestering your connections for everything. It’s great when a new connection works out from a professional standpoint, but it’s hard to measure some other things that having a large network can bring, like… 1. More information & great conversation with smart people 2. Introductions to others 3. Creating a presence of being “that guy that everybody knows and likes” Just because a connection doesn’t result in more direct dollars in your bank account doesn’t mean it was fruitless, and you shouldn’t be pursuing connections with people just to wring something out of them. Speaking of which… 8.) Burn Useless Bridges Yikes, somewhat of a controversial point to place on a post about networking, no? The thing is, this skill is an absolute must to learn. Eventually, you’re going to come across “leeches,” people who you’ve connected with but don’t see the relationship as give-and- take, more like, “ How much can I get out of you? ” Networking is supposed to help you grow your business by meeting genuinely awesome people, not create a network of vultures who only reach out to you when they need something. Cut these people off, and fast, you don’t need anyone holding you back. Note that this isn’t the same as people who want to help you, but can’t and don’t ask much from you. This advice is for the greedy, those hitting your inbox with favour after favour that never gets returned.
Article 11 – Networking
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