Building alliances

If you look anywhere at information about how people find jobs or work the data will tell you that somewhere in the region of 70% of people get their jobs through networks or contacts. So the building of those networks is critical.  The old adage 'it's not what you know, it's who you know' holds true.

So how does one build alliances with others? 

Networking is all about reciprocity.  It's not about what can you do for me but what can I do for you. It's not about can you give me a job but about how I can help you along your journey so you can help me. If networking is about finding information, it’s also about giving it.

Many years ago I read Dale Carnegie’s  'How to Win Friends and Influence People' and it’s message stays with me. There are great wisdoms here, whether you are networking in the real world or virtually. So here are some of those great words of wisdom

Don't criticise, condemn or complain

Give honest and sincere appreciation

Arouse in the other person an eager want

Become genuinely interested in other people

Smile

Remember the other person's name

Be a good listener, encourage people to talk about themselves

Talk in terms of the other person's interests

Make the other person feel important- and do it sincerely

The only way to get the best of an argument is to avoid it

Show respect for other people's opinions. Never say ‘you’re wrong’

If you are wrong, admit it quickly and emphatically

Begin in a friendly way

Get the other person saying 'yes  yes' immediately

Let the other person do a great deal of the talking

Let the other person feel the idea was theirs

Try honestly to see the other’s point of view

 My other advice is.. do small goods along the way. That is the way that you will get remembered.

Now let’s be honest I can’t say that I do all of those all the time but I try. 

So when you are looking for networks and seekig information remember good old Dale and embrace his principles. They might just help.