Networking = Learning + Sharing

I had a profound revelation a few days ago while Josh Hinds was interviewing me for his excellent site.  He asked me what I felt 'networking' meant, and why I felt it was important.  I answered

Networking for me is all about meeting people and seeing if I can be valuable to them. Maybe I know someone who they should meet, maybe I read a book which can help their business - however I can help, I'm glad to do so. 

Part of my enduring purpose is 'to give freely,' and I really try to live up to that when I'm in a 'networking' setting.

After I wrote that, I realized something.  For me, networking means I have someone to talk to about everything I'm learning - and maybe what I'm learning can help them.  Learning + Sharing = Networking

Without life long learning, I have nothing to share to new people I meet!

Have you made Learning & Helping the foundation of your relationship building?  If not, today is a great day to start!

Benjamin Bach is a speaker, writer and wealth building Real Estate agent in Kitchener Waterloo, Ontario, Canada.  He wakes up every morning excited to fulfil his purpose of building wealth and contributing value for his friends, family and clients.

Benjamin would love to hear from you - please write him at Benjamin AT benjaminbach DOT com.

You can find his blog at http://www.kitchener-waterloo-real-estate-investments.com/

Comments

[Rosa Say]

Thank you for this posting Benjamin, for your simple definition of networking is a terrific one - I can see why you felt it was a profound realization for you!

By the way, great interview at Josh's place!
http://businessnetworkingadvice.com/2007/10/benjamin-bach-interview-wealth-building.html

[Steve Sherlock]

Benjamin, I like the simplicity and interaction of the definition for networking. It is a two way street of sharing and learning to be effective. If someone is looking to network just to gain access to your other contacts, one can sense that and the willingness to tango usually declines.