From Business Cards to Business Relationships: Personal Branding and Profitable Networking Made Easy, 2nd Edition

Procedures are the everyday networking elements that we're just expected to know, but are rarely taught. Mastering the fundamentals will give you confidence and add an extra notch of professionalism to your image. When used correctly and effectively, these basics can be your most valuable assets as you build your profitable network.

Fourth Pillar: Strategic Plan

Once you're clear on your desired outcomes and have a solid perspective, are ready to share the Business of YOU, and have mastered the procedures, a strategic plan will help you decide the best places to go and how to create systems to turn your casual contacts into long-term, mutually beneficial business relationships. We'll also determine how online networking fits. Your strategic considerations are what will make your profitable network a reality!

Networking is the foundation for your success. Alone, it won't be enough to get you the results you want in business or for your career, but networking makes success easier and more probable.

You'll still need to make sales calls, but networking keeps you from making cold calls. You'll still need to run a solid marketing campaign, but networking makes it easier to get noticed. You'll still have challenges, but networking makes it easier to find solutions. You'll still have to submit your résumé, but networking gets yours to the top of the pile. You'll still have to deliver top-notch work, but networking gets more people to take notice.

Building a strong network is not rocket ...