FC Member Blog

Nonsense At Work

BY James McIntosh | 04-19-2010 | 7:28 AM

This blog is written by a member of our blogging community and expresses that member's views alone.

To fail at networking, don’t buy, don’t ask:

When it comes to networking and business development, here is my golden rule. Don’t waste my time by taking your time.

Yes, I do know that it takes time to build meaningful relationships. But networking and business development do not fall into that category. At least not in the beginning.

Here are three things you should do to set the foundation for a longer term relationship. One - if you want something from me, ask. Be clear and specific. Two - tell me why you think I can help you. Three - then make it easy for me to help you. Give me something on paper.

On the other hand, if you want to ensure that I won’t help you and that our relationship will end before it even began, then do these two things: Don’t buy me coffee even though you invited me to meet. And don’t ask if there is any way you can help me in return.

I’m James McIntosh at nonsenseatwork.com

Listen to the radio version of To fail at networking, don’t buy, don’t ask (10 most recent radio files)