Dear SafetyXChange Members,

When it comes to networking, there are two types: Those born with the gift and those who have to learn it. Today's story is dedicated to those of you in the latter group.

Learning How to Schmooze

There's a really good book you should check out if you want to network with the best of them. It's called Never Eat Alone, And Other Secrets to Success, One Relationship at a Time by Keith Ferrazzi. A master in the art of networking, Ferrazzi shares his personal story of accomplishment through connections. He thenlays out a strategy and set of techniques for effective networking.

According to Ferrazzi, "connecting is a constant process of giving and receiving - of asking for and offering help." It's a game of mutual generosity. "By putting people in contact with one another, by giving your time and expertise and sharing them freely, the pie gets bigger for everyone," Ferrazzi notes.

Ferrazzi offers specific advice for warming up to cold calling, managing gatekeepers, becoming a conference "commando", building and broadcasting your brand and much more. His ego is big but his advice is solid!

Some Principles of Networking

In his book, Ferrazzi draws a distinction between genuine relationship-building and the crude, desperate glad-handing usually associated with "networking". Never Eat Alone distills Ferrazzi's system of reaching out to people into practical, proven principles. Among them:

Not Keeping Score: Networking isn't simply a way of getting what you want. Ferrazzi says you should think of it as a way of getting what you want and making sure that the people with whom you network get something too.

Constantly "Pinging": Reach out to those in your circle of contacts all of the time - not just when you need something. (This is my own personal pet peeve - don't be the contact that only connects when he or she needs something!)

Never Eating Alone: The dynamics of status are the same whether you're working at a corporation or attending a society event - "invisibility" is a fate worse than failure.

Conclusion

If you are ready to make a commitment, to reach out and give before you build meaningful relationships - Never Eat Alone, And Other Secrets to Success, One Relationship at a Time will give you a boost and some of the best advice available on how to build a lifelong community of colleagues, contacts, friends and mentors.

Wishing you career success,

Lauryn Franzoni
www.ExecuNet.com

CALL BACK PROTOCOL
The Debate Continues

Laziness Is Not an Excuse. . .

Respectfully...you counterpoint to Gerald about the response from companies is weak. "So many companies fail...that a response is no longer universally expected." It is just a sign of the lazy excuses of today's society. Just because so many companies fail at something does not make it ok to ignore it or "universally expect" something different. It just means that a lot of people are failing. Shame on society for accepting it. Lazy behaviors are the root of the problems with society today because it is easier than doing the right thing.

Name withheld by request

. . . Neither Is 'Everybody Else Does It'

I agree with your suggestion that the employer's ad should state they will contact only the applicants they are interested in. However I disagree with the premise that because so many people/businesses fail to do the right thing, what's considered acceptable and proper is changed. For example, the California Highway Patrol doesn't accept the excuse that "everyone is doing" it when giving speeding tickets. 90% of us speed but if we are caught we should expect a ticket.

J. Thayer

'Everybody Does Not Do It'

As a former CEO, when we advertised a job opening, we made it a point to answer each application or resume with a letter that thanked the person for their interest in the job as well as us as a company. The letter also contained the date by which we would close the search, begin interviews and projected date of hire. That way the person knew we received the application or resume (so they wouldn't wonder) and it also gave them a time frame to know whether they were still being considered for the job.

Kevin Angell

A Touch of Gray

Glenn: Your "Point/Counterpoint" with Gerald Edgar regarding "Call Back Protocol" is a classic case of issues never being black and white. Neither of you are wrong in your positions. . . . As a consultant, I understand Mr. Edgar's frustration in not getting responses from potential clients ... or even active clients. When I sat on the other side of the desk for 30+ years, I made it a practice to respect the time and efforts of others by taking a few moments to close the communications loop. . . . As a famous entertainer once said when he was asked why he was so nice to everyone: "You never know who you're going to meet as you climb the ladder of success. So, be considerate of everyone because you just might need them as you slide back down that ladder."

Gary Wolf,
Wolf Safety Group, LLC

MARCH MADNESS

Florida St. fans rush the court after upsetting No. 1 Duke.

NCAA Basketball Fans Run Amok

By Glenn Demby

We're two days away from Selection Sunday when the NCAA announces the field of 64 teams that will compete for the national men's basketball championship. One of the things that makes college basketball so great is the enthusiasm of the fans. NBA games are played in corporate arenas in front of corporate fans. NCAA games are, for the most part, played on campuses in front of the student body.

But sometimes the enthusiasm gets out of control. The boiling point is usually reached when the home team upsets a nationally ranked opponent. Fans go wild and rush onto the court to mob the team. The police are hopelessly outnumbered and can't stem the tide. There have been at least three such incidents this season:

• Jan. 21: Tennessee Volunteers fans rush the court after the home team pulls off an 80-76 win over then-No. 2 Florida;
• Feb. 18: Fans run onto the court after the University of Arkansas upsets a ranked opponent-coincidentally, the same University of Florida team whose defeat spurred the Tennessee incident;
• Feb. 28: Throngs of Florida State fans charge the court before the game with top-ranked Duke is even over. Duke Coach Mike Krzyzweski pulls his players off the court for their own safety with 1.7 seconds remaining.

The good news is that incidents like these aren't likely to happen during the upcoming tournament. NCAA tournament games are played on neutral courts.

Story Tools:  Email This Post  Print This Post Top