You'll Get Out What You Put In In networking, much as in life, you get out what you put in. You'll probably notice that the most effective and productive networkers are those that are the most involved.
Look around the organizations you're involved in. If it's a Chamber of Commerce look at the Ambassadors. In a larger organization look towards those that serve on committee's or on the board of directors. You'll generally find that these people are the ones who get the most from their participation in that organization. Interesting coincidence...
Think about a membership organization and think about what type of people receive little or no benefit. It may not be entirely obvious at first, because the people who aren't getting any benefit probably aren't even there. Another interesting coincidence...
Obviously my point is that it's important to get involved. At the very least Show up! If you're not actively participating on a regular basis you're very unlikely to receive any benefit. The next step is to get more involved. Volunteer to serve on a comittee, or to help check people in at the next event. Demonstrate your expertise. If you're an accountant offer to help with the bookkeeping. Contribute, you'll be amazed at the coincidental business you'll pick up.
As Woody Allen says: "90 percent of life is showing up."
We've even redesigned the ranking system for NetworkInAustin.com members to reinforce this philosophy. Now the more complete your profile is in our business directory the higher you'll be ranked. All of the details can be found in the new member's area.
If you look at our business directory now you'll see exactly what I mean. Look at the members who have already added information to their profiles. If you know any of these people you know that they're the ones who typically reap the most rewards. These folks tend to be actively involved in all areas of their life, and get the most rewards in all areas of their life as well.
Happy networking!
Scott Ingram
NetworkInAustin.com | 
