“Networking is more about farming than hunting”.
I love this quote.
I find that I can apply this to networking and many other areas of my life.
Farming evokes images of green pastures, fruit & vegetables, and cows grazing in the grass. I think of the farms that I have seen in New Jersey. They appear to be serene places, with natural, wholesome products being produced. The farmer tends to his or her crop with loving care and in the end, what is produced is used to sustain the farmer and is a harvest worth more than what it costs to grow.
Hunting is about pursuing something; to seek it out, stalk it, and then capture it. Hunting evokes a vision of someone creeping through a forest looking for an animal to descend upon. The process of seeking, stalking and finally capturing prey, sounds harsh for networking.
Planting seeds is about meeting people & making connections. So how can I keep finding opportunities to network and continually increase my base? I set out to put myself in a position to meet new people and keep in touch with my current networking circle by attending events and reaching out to people in my industry. My rule of thumb at events is to collect 5 business cards, and maintain at least 2 of the relationships. This keeps my seeding process active.
Watering requires that I keeping in touch with my network. What I like to do is communicate regularly, share information and articles that may be of interest to people in my network, and attend events with my contacts.
Weed control involves controlling the things that erode the health of the relationships. My contacts won’t have time for me if I can’t bring any value to the relationship. In order to be a resource, I strive to understand the needs and interests of those in my network and to be someone that is adding to the well, not just taking.
Harvesting is where we all like to be. This is when I see the benefits of keeping this network healthy and a priority. Being a resource by funneling job opportunities, creating sub-networks, and business opportunities, while also being on the receiving end of opportunities, are all part of this fruitful harvest.
Below are a few links to help you with your Networking efforts.
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CANVAS is a next generation networking mixer series, which uniquely blends progressive business professionals, art/music, community development and GIVING.
@ Pasadena Jazz Institute
www.pasjazz.org - Wednesdays, starting at 6:30p
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Los Angeles Calendar Of Networking Events And Business Meetings
http://www.meetingsandmixers.com/la/events/index.php
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