Network Before You Need It

2013-01-02

As DECA members, we always push ourselves to network at conferences, in our chapters and in the business world. Networking is a key skill that is critical to building effective relationships. However, we can occasionally be the worst offenders of poor networking. What I mean by that is we network for our own personal gain and fail to think what the other person might get out of the relationship.

At the closing session of the Central Region Leadership Conference, keynote speaker Eric Qualman, author of “Digital Leader”, mentioned the phrase: “Network before you need it.” As we network and build relationships, we shouldn’t focus on what those relationships will do for us, but what “we” can do for that other person. What skills, talents, and connections do you have that can boost their success?

When you network with a purpose and network before you need it, you build quality relationships with genuine support that will take you further in life. Eventually, when you are in need of support or guidance, you’ll have a line of people out the door waiting to help you be successful!