How your network affects your net worth

I am about to share with you, some of the most effective ways to introduce yourself to a business/organization and build a network of highly influential and valuable people. As you may know, some of the best jobs in the market place are filled long before a vacancy is advertised because someone knows of a person who can do the job. Some of the biggest business deals are done among friends and some of the best idea’s often come-up during conversations with smart people. So all you new graduates, wondering how to making your way in the world after school, and all aspiring entrepreneurs looking to build enterprises worth millions, pay attention.

I’ll cover a few strategies you can begin applying to help build your influential network. One effective way you could do this is through your already existing network. Ask the people you know and trust to assist your job hunt or market your business to other people or organizations. Let them know that you are in the job market and that you would value their advice on this particular subject. Remember to make sure that you know exactly which companies you would consider, what jobs you want to do and what figure you want to earn. Do your research, and then systematically inform your current network that you’d appreciate it if they could put you in touch with people or companies in line with what you are looking for. If you have a company, be exact with regards to the service that it provides and how your network can market it.

Too often, people sell themselves short thinking that because they don’t know the “right people” they can't land their dream jobs or major business deals. This is a mistake because I can guarantee you that you know someone, who knows someone in the position to make your dreams a reality. It’s said that you and I are at least five people away from getting in touch with anyone in the world. So learn how to leverage your network.

A fundamental part of expanding your network of influential people is to be absolutely clear when giving your information to the people meet, be it personal or business related. When you tell someone about your job or business, never ever say things like, “I work in I.T” or “I do websites” or “I am an accountant”; these statements are too vague. Important people do not have time to asking you for additional details on what it is you do, so learn to make quick detailed descriptions when you first meet these people. Learn to break down your business, job or personal description to the finest details and to niche your skills, business, service or product so that when someone walks away from a conversation with you, they know exactly what you do and how you stand apart from everyone else in your industry. Remember, different very often equates to better.

For example; if I’m a software programmer and I communicate with a major player in the security industry, I would firstly inform them of who I am and how my business is relevant to his by stating that my company develops security systems. If I meet with a financial executive and I tell him that I develop online security systems, by doing this, I model my software programming business or skills to accommodate the person I’m dealing with at that moment. This way you can establish initial report and have common ground from which to build a relationship.

When working your network, you should never ask for anything, at least not initially. You should first build a relationship with you prospective network. One way to do this is by asking for advice on subjects you can relate with them on such as career advice, mentorship, sports cars and the like. People love being valued and receiving value so be careful you don’t impose yourself. At a later stage when you feel you have established a relation of sorts, then you can make a reasonable request for whatever you want.

Your network is your greatest net worth, cultivate it, leverage it and value it. The next person you meet could very well be the one to give you the contacts to that person you need to call to in order to land your dream job; the person you spark a conversation with at the gym could arrange you your biggest business deal yet or the old friend you bump into could spark a great idea that could lead you to making a fortune. Keep in mind that you don’t go after these people begging for a job, business deal or idea. You only present your skills, products or services and focus on building relations, being of value to them and expanding your network with inspirational and smart people will ultimately result in massive wealth and freedom.