8 Erroneous Assumptions about Internal Networking

  1. People I work with are automatically part of my network.
    False. You must create and nurture the relationships.
  2. Everyone is an equally good networking contact.
    False. Seek the experts and people who will give back. As you talk with people in your network, agree to respond quickly to their requests.
  3. I can ask for information or help without giving first.
    False. Listen generously to your contact. Does that person need something that you can supply? If you can’t discover anything, ask, “How can I help you?”
  4. I can access anyone.
    False. The best contacts are busy people. Use referrals, references, and introductions by a third party – and become known for the people you connect.
  5. I can get by without doing my homework.
    False. Don’t waste your contact’s time. When you ask for something, do the research so you have some basic information.
  6. My request is so important that my contact will drop everything to answer it yesterday.
    False. If you need something, don’t procrastinate. Ask early, before you are desperate.
  7. When I get the information, the interaction is over.
    False. Get back in touch to tell your contact the rest of the story and what use you made of what he gave you.
  8. Muttering “thanks” as I am talking with my contact is enough.
    False. Say thank you with panache. Send a handwritten note. Take your contact to lunch. Send a funny card or flowers. Write a note to your contact’s boss. Take every opportunity to give credit publicly.

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