How to network
Networks are loosely organized connections between people
with shared interests. Increasingly in today's more fluid and flex-
ible organizations people get things done by networking. They
exchange information, enlist support and create alliances –
getting agreement with other people on a course of action and
joining forces to make it happen.
To network effectively here are ten steps you can take:
- Identify people who may be able to help.
- Seize any opportunity that presents itself to get to know
people who may be useful. - Have a clear idea of why you want to network – to share
knowledge, to persuade people to accept your proposal or
point of view, to form an alliance. - Know what you can contribute – networking is not simply
about enlisting support, it is just as much if not more
concerned with developing knowledge and understanding
through ‘communities of interest’ and joining forces with
like-minded people so that concerted effort can be deployed
to get things done.
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