The secret to networking It may surprise you. - CareerEnlightenment.com

The secret to networking, givingIn the book, The Go-Giver, the authors, Bob Burg and John David Mann, outline The Five Laws of Stratospheric Success. It is worthwhile to explore these laws in relationship to networking.The five laws of stratospheric successThe Law of Value â€" Your true worth is determined by how much more you give in value than what you take in payment.The Law of Compensation â€" Your income is determined by how many people you serve and how well you serve them.The Law of Influence â€" Your influence is determined by how abundantly you place other people’s interests first.The Law of Authenticity â€" The most valuable gift you have to offer is yourself.The Law of Receptivity â€" The key to effective giving is to stay open to receiving.If you choose to apply these laws to career management -related networking, the process can and should be fun and rewarding! You are no longer measuring your success strictly by how many interviews and job offers come your way (though they are important), but by how much value you are creating.Start networking meetings not by talking about yourself and your situation, but rather by asking questions. Listen more.   Create an upbeat aura about your transition â€" the exploration of your future career path and the great people who you meet along this journey. Ask how you can help.Focus on helping the other person. This can take many different forms. For example:Send them an interesting, pertinent articleProvide a book recommendationSupply networking connections for themSupply referrals if they are recruiting for other positionsOffer to help someone else in their networkOffer support for personal issues that surface during your conversationThe number of ways that you can give is boundless. You will surely stand out in a crowded market by being a shining example of a mutually beneficial networker.Of course, ultimately, you are networking to help yourself, too. That is where the fifth law of stratospheric success come s into play. As you focus on giving, you must be open to receiving. After all the giving you are doing, your network will be bending over backwards to help you because it is human nature to help others who have helped you. Be open to receiving help and be clear about the help you are looking for. Ask for help and you will receive it, but only after you have given help. The secret to networking: create value for your network by giving to others.