Networking Guru Inteview: 3

Networking Guru Interview: 3

Enjoy the third and final part of this interview with Canada’s Networking Guru, Michael Hughes.

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Networking Question
What is your most effective networking tip?

Answer from Networking Guru
The most effective tip I can offer to getting more and better networking results is moving away from networking to sell and towards networking to build relationships. This is simple to say, yet difficult to do. It requires courage, commitment and discipline. It involves intent and investment. It flies in the face of our “me-first” society. But it holds the biggest payoff.


Networking Question
Is online "social networking" a worthwhile business networking tool?

Answer from Networking Guru
Social networks have taken on a life of their own. They allow us to connect as never before. This is a good news-bad news story. The good news is that we now have access to a huge network of contacts. The bad news is that, without focus or context, most of these are worthless, and only serve to complicate and overwhelm our already overly-busy lives.
So what’s the value of social networks?

Research continues to affirm that we maintain our strongest relationships with a small group (usually no more than a dozen people). It has also confirmed that face-to-face contact is still the most powerful relationship-building vehicle. The other side of the coin is that our increased connectivity allows us to stay in touch better, supporting and accelerating the relationship-building process with these new technology tools. In addition, this increased connectivity does permit access to more and better resources when we do have a need. The bottom line is that social networks are an enhancer to networking, but will probably never replace the human dynamic we require.


Networking Question
Your final thoughts?

Answer from Networking Guru
The relationships we have, and the relationships we make, hold untold power and incredible potential to propel us in the direction of our goals and dreams. The secret to leveraging this invaluable resource is to continually invest in creating, building and reinforcing more and better relationships. The Laws of Networks reward those who respect their impact and act as an obstacle to those who, actively or unwittingly, overlook their effect. Relationships are the foundation for success in business and in life. They are based on trust, value and contribution. Networking, in its simplest terms, is the process on creating and developing relationships, from initial contact to ultimate outcome. As you connect with others, are you conscious of building trust, adding value and contributing to their success?


Michael Hughes Bio
Known as Canada’s Networking Guru, Michael J. Hughes specializes in helping business professionals increase sales, build their business or advance their career by utilizing networking as business strategy. Get more details on his programs and services by visiting www.NetworkingForResults.com.

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George Torok

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