‘You can have everything in life you want, if you will just help enough other people get what they want.’
(Zig Ziglar)
A lot of times we discuss networking in terms of attending an event and meeting people face to face. That is a version of networking and requires skills to be able to introduce yourself and discuss mutual interest items. Students use networking events (opportunities) to make their elevator speeches for potential career options. More experienced folks may attend networking events to secure future business, opportunities or leverage to make career changes. There is an art to networking within this type environment and successful outcomes are available to all.
The quote above was intriguing to me as it covers networking from a more basic level. Networking is available to us all but how many go out of their way to ensure we are helping others?
I pose this question because I view my current Walk into the Future as my ultimate way to get what I want out of life because I am willing to help others. The Walk into the Future blog is designed to capture my thoughts, feelings and adventures—sometimes all done within the same article. Topics are also designed to help others—they are based on real world interactions (good and bad) with intent to provide talking points to help readers process my words and put them into play as needed.
An interesting aspect of my current Walk into the Future is I have availability to speak with others (students, potential clients, consultants, etc.) to help them move forward in life. Most of these people reach out to me based on a recommendation which is another form of networking. Meetings are scheduled based on their current schedule to make sure we have enough time to discuss their needs. This form of networking is exciting for me as it helps me generate additional ‘tree branches’ and keeps me energized because I’m making a difference. Networking does not have to be a stuffy process and opportunities are available to us all.
Always remember someone helped us all get where we are today. How available are you when someone reaches out? How can you enhance a networking opportunity to ensure your ‘tree branches’ continue to grow?
I came back to networking as a topic because I believe it opens doors and provides a framework to make a difference. I got agitated (for 2 minutes only) when I reached out to someone for information on a specific organization this person worked for previously. Thought this was a simple request but they automatically referred me to someone else. I never got the two questions I had answered because the person I reached out to wouldn’t help me get what I wanted/needed. Don’t be this person, help people as much as possible and watch how the positive vibes will come back to you MULTIPLIED!
How engaging are you when someone reaches out? What opportunities are available for you to help someone else move forward?
Walk Into the Future 
I enjoyed the last article because my whole life my dad has told me that the most important thing you can do in life is build relationships. He said until you learn to serve people you want ever be able to lead them. I agree totally because my greatest successes have come when I was trying to help others.
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