Principles For Success – Build a Strong Network

Think of your goal to become successful as a house you plan to build.  You know that you cannot build an entire house by yourself, so you will need to enlist the help of others.  This is where networking comes in.  If you are the architect of your house, then the people with whom you network are the electricians, plumbers, decorators, and painters.  In order to accomplish something as grand as being successful in all areas of life, going at it alone is not only difficult and unnecessary – IT'S FOOLISH!

1ST STEP:
TAP YOUR CURRENT NETWORK

Without even realizing it, it is likely that you already know many people who can help you reach your goals.  Make a list of your contacts.  First, list personal contacts and divide this list into family, friends, & neighbors.

Next, list other personal contacts – include your doctor, dentist, lawyer, accountant, fraternities, sororities, & other social clubs.

Then, list professional contacts such as people you have worked with, worked through, worked for, or given work to.  List customers, clients, consultants, and even competitors.  Tally up the names of the  people in all the different categories.  You will likely be surprised by the extent of your network.

For the record: I have 3256 contacts in my network…how many do you have?