There isn't one single 'right' way to network.

I was fortunate enough to meet Scott Allen last night. Scott is the co-author of a new book called “The Virtual Handshake” which discusses online and electronic networking. He is also the entrepreneurs guide on About.com (www.virtualhandshake.com and entrepreneurs.about.com). Lucky for us Scott lives here in Austin.

Scott and I had a great conversation about what’s missing from a lot of networking books. That is the fact that there isn’t just one way to network. What might be the perfect method for one person might be totally wrong for the next and vice versa.

The best strategy is one that helps you accomplish your networking goals. Whether that’s to land a new job, get more clients, get funding for your new venture or even to make some new friends. Think about what different strategies would be most effective in helping you accomplish that goal.

For instance… It might make the most sense for one person to build very strong and deep relationships with 8-10 targeted individuals for them to accomplish their long term networking goals. It might make more sense for another person to cast as wide a net as possible and build a vast network of thousands of contacts to reach their networking goal. It all comes down to each particular individual and their needs.

What do you need? Is your networking strategy really helping you accomplish your networking goals?

Happy networking!

Scott Ingram
NetworkInAustin.com