Knowing the right individuals in Austin, Dallas, Houston and other great places in Texas really can make your world go around. If you want to go up to the next rung on your career ladder, networking can be an incredible tool to help you reach your goals. It was held to be number one among "The Seven Habits of Highly Effective People," a self-help book written by Stephen R. Covey in 1989.
Here are some simple rules to help you become a notable networker:
- First impressions -- Every time you meet someone new, use the 'SHE' rule -- Smile/Handshake/Eye Contact. Greeting people with a genuine smile, a firm and friendly handshake and direct eye contact helps set a positive tone and makes the best first impression.
- Learn names -- By knowing an individual's name you show he/she that you value that person and have separated him/her from the rest of the crowd. There is no better way to make individuals feel good about himself/ herself. It also creates a positive impression of you. A good way to remember names is to use their name three times in conversation during your first meeting with them. Also try associating their name with something that will help jog your memory later.
- Ask open-ended questions --To get people to open up and tell you about themselves, ask these questions:
* Tell me about your job.
* What are your most important responsibilities?
* What do you like most about what you do?
* Where are you from, originally?
* What are you passionate about?
- Show real interest -- Showing a genuine interest in people's answers is the best way to show appreciation. It's also one of the most effective networking tools around. Offer information about yourself too, so others, who don't know how to network effectively, can still learn about you also.
- Practice listening -- It's no secret that great leaders master the art of listening early on in their lives. But for the rest of us, the daily distractions and hundreds of obligations often keep us from being fully engaged listeners. Focus on that one person when you are having a one-on-one conversation.
- Find commonality -- What do you have in common? When you have something in common with someone, you raise the level of the networking relationship. This plants an incredibly important seed for all relationships - that something in common. Now you can build a relationship of respect or even friendship.
- Help others first -- Many people fail at networking because they are only out to help themselves. This is the number one no-no in a networking situation. The most successful networkers do just the opposite.
It is also important to keep in touch with your network. Record contact details right after meeting new contacts. Also include key observations or notes about them while the details are still fresh.
Once you put this advice into practice, you'll find networking can be great fun and you'll look forward to it. Building your networking skills allows you to be more successful when meeting new friends and associates. The best part about it is that you can do it anytime and anywhere - not just at formal business functions.
Related Articles
Texas Relates To Import Safety Issues As China Executes Its Top Food and Drug Administrator
By: Pat Carpenter | 07/08/2007 | Non-Fiction
China's official Xinhua news agency announced yesterday the execution of Zheng Xiaoyu, the former head of its State Food and Drug Administration, in an attempt to show the country's seriousness about cleaning up obvious problems with exporting contaminated food and drugs.
Not All In Texas Understand The Nature Of Their Benefit Plans
By: Pat Carpenter | 07/08/2007 | Health
So you have benefits. But what does that really mean?
For people living in Texas, and especially in cities like Dallas, Houston and Austin, the question deserves some attention.
Texans Deal With Medications That May Kill Them: Avandia Linked With Causing Heart Attacks In Those
By: Pat Carpenter | 21/08/2007 | Non-Fiction
It's becoming increasingly difficult for diabetics to know which is worse -- having the disease, or realizing the treatment for it just might be fatal, too. Late last month, a federal drug advisory board voted overwhelmingly in favor of keeping Avandia, a medication for Type 2 diabetes, on the market, despite findings that it raised the risk of heart attacks and angina.
Reducing Stress For Texas Residents: Not As Difficult As It Might Seem
By: Pat Carpenter | 10/10/2007 | Non-Fiction
Let's face it: life can be a stressful existence. But it's life, after all, so learning to manage the levels of stress we all seem to be subject to is the goal. For people living in big Texas cities such as Houston, Dallas and Austin, the stress of life can be even greater than for people living in other areas, making it even more important to take steps to manage stress in effective ways.
Cookies Are Calling In Texas: What You See Is What You Eat
By: Pat Carpenter | 17/10/2007 | Health
Stop fighting it! You know you're going to do it. Don't you see that luscious, Macadamia-nut-chocolate-chip-brownie-fudge-topped ooey, gooey cookie right there? I know you do. Yep, it's just a matter of time before that little sugar-packed morsel pops in your mouth and fluffs out your belly.
In Texas, Lack Of Healthcare Coverage Affects Parents And Families
By: Pat Carpenter | 07/08/2007 | Health
Health coverage for the family helps to assist those families in obtaining more affordable healthcare services, says a report by the Henry J. Kaiser Family Foundation. The Foundation, which based the report on its 2005 Low-Income Coverage and Access Survey, makes the argument that not having health insurance affects not just a parent's health, but also the well-being of the entire family.
Texas Workers Find Getting Health Insurance A Problem
By: Pat Carpenter | 07/08/2007 | Non-Fiction
Many employees throughout Texas, but especially in the larger cities of Austin, Dallas and Houston, are finding it a challenge nearing on the impossible to find the affordable health insurance they and their families need.
Breathe, Child, Breathe: Texas Learns To Relax After New Studies Link Hostility and Disease
By: Pat Carpenter | 21/08/2007 | Non-Fiction
We should listen to our grandparents more. Really. As a young adult, I am often criticized for my arrogant and wanton ways, for my blatant disregard of my elders' advice -- wisdom gained only through the tumultuous experience of aging. In the health insurance industry, I am called one of the "young invincibles" for my belief...
Got a Question? Ask.
Ask the community a question about this article:
Frequently Asked Questions
Loosing weight on a budget: help!
By: Abby A. | 18-07-2008
What's the best way to loose those last stubborn 10lbs when money's tight? Most of the tips I've seen require real money investment, but what's the best way (besides reducing intake and exercise) to loose weight?
Help! heart surgury problems
By: ladywitwings | 18-07-2008
my dad had bypass and pacemaker surgury less than a year ago.. he had 25% function before and now we are told he has 20%>.he is having trouble breathing and his chest hurts but won't go to doctor.. does anyone know what may be happening?
Temesta and pregnancy
By: Stressedout | 18-07-2008
My wife has been checked by her doctor and declared 5 weeks pregnant. The baby would have been conceived about 3-4 weeks before. In teh first week she has taken Temesta (1 tablet) to overcome anxiety of flying.. Although everything is normal.. what are the risks and what should we look out for.
"Neuropathy" is mentioned as a possible adverse ...
By: Osteon | 18-07-2008
"Neuropathy" is mentioned as a possible adverse reaction to Campath. What neoropathy or neuropathies developed ?
Dosage for eutirox
By: Manolo | 18-07-2008
My son has been under hypotyroidism therapy taking 1 50mcg. eutirox tablet daily he started off taking 1/2 tablet 50 mcg. when he 11 mths old. He is now 6 years old. I just want another opinion on the dosage.
What vitamins cani take in order to build up my ...
By: Doreen | 18-07-2008
What vitamins cani take in order to build up my concentraton level at my age?
Q&A Powered by:
More from Pat Carpenter
Cookies Are Calling In Texas: What You See Is What You Eat
By: Pat Carpenter | 17/10/2007 | Health
Stop fighting it! You know you're going to do it. Don't you see that luscious, Macadamia-nut-chocolate-chip-brownie-fudge-topped ooey, gooey cookie right there? I know you do. Yep, it's just a matter of time before that little sugar-packed morsel pops in your mouth and fluffs out your belly.
For Texans Exercise Can Have Gender Differences
By: Pat Carpenter | 16/10/2007 | Fitness
While men and women may prefer different types of fitness and exercise regimens, each gender can learn from one other. Individuals living in Austin, Dallas, Houston and elsewhere in Texas, are among those who can benefit from shared ideas.
Friendships in Texas Can Improve Your Life and Health
By: Pat Carpenter | 16/10/2007 | Non-Fiction
Ask any individual who's got them, friends, whether you live in Austin, Dallas, Houston or anywhere else in Texas, are good for you. They are good for health as well as for your life in general. The proof? During down times, friends are a source of comfort and strength.
The Texas 12-Step Plan to Manage Holiday Stress
By: Pat Carpenter | 16/10/2007 | Stress Management
The weather in Austin, Dallas, Houston and the rest of Texas is already starting to cool down. This means, for many individuals, the stress of the holiday season is almost upon them.
When your stress peaks, it's hard to think, let alone act. These steps can help you keep normal holiday depression at bay:
More Texans Need To Learn How To Say No
By: Pat Carpenter | 16/10/2007 | Non-Fiction
Everyone hates hearing it, but many individuals have problems saying it:
the word "no". Just two letters -- one syllable, but it is one of the more difficult words for people to say to others. Sure, you do it for your peace of mind, but saying "no" may also be a healthier option for stress relief for those of you who live in Austin, Dallas, Houston and other places in Texas.
Texans Need To Add Balance To Their Work Lives
By: Pat Carpenter | 12/10/2007 | Non-Fiction
Many individuals who work and live in Austin, Dallas, Houston and elsewhere in Texas, may find that their work lives and personal lives are out of balance, with their stress levels running high. If that's the case with you, it's important to reclaim control of your life.
Texans Need To Stop Their Denial
By: Pat Carpenter | 12/10/2007 | Non-Fiction
Denial isn't a river that runs through Egypt. It's an emotional state that many individuals in Austin, Dallas, Houston and elsewhere in Texas put themselves through on a daily basis. For many individuals, denial is an unconscious coping mechanism which grants a person time to adjust to a distressing situation.
Spirituality Helps Texans With Stress Relief
By: Pat Carpenter | 12/10/2007 | Non-Fiction
There are certain activities that can reduce stress which are very tangible, including exercise, eating healthier and developing and nurturing friendships. But many individuals in Austin, Dallas, Houston and elsewhere in Texas also find that looking within themselves can help them manage the difficult times.
Self Improvement 
