The_Essential_Manager_s_Handbook

220 / BECOMING SUCCESSFUL

Networking

Networking is about establishing groups of contacts that will add

value to your business and career. It is a two-way process in which

you must give to receive. Building good relationships will give you

a competitive edge, but for many people, the thought of going out

to make contacts is awkward and artificial.

Six degrees of separation

Research carried out by the American social

psychologist Stanley Milgram suggested that

most people are connected to one another through

a chain of just six acquaintances. Networking gives

you access to a wealth of knowledge and expertise;

it allows you to gain competitive information, build

a good reputation, and even get your next job. And as

you progress in your career, who you know becomes

increasingly, and sometimes critically, important.

of people online

could connect with

each other via six

78 %linked messages

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