Bond

Networking is an important part of any business. You may have the best product or service in the world but if you dont tell, it wont sell. If you dont spend time spreading the word, no-one is going to spend their money in your direction. Especially in the embryonic stages of a business, networking is essential.

You must plant the seed before it can germinate. And there are times when this will seem like a thankless task. But the more you persist in planting, the more possibilities you create. And from possibility shoots opportunity.

You can further strengthen your network by creating bonds. Networking maybe construed as shallow lip-service but when you bond with someone you engender a deeper emotional connection and foster friendship.

You must therefore ask yourself - How can I make such an impression on this person that they will never forget me? Perhaps the way to take an interest in them, your positive demeanor, eye contact, attentive listening, the standards you maintain or the unequivocal quality of your product or service.

Actually, there is a simple, yet powerful five-step process that you should go through each time you meet someone. It is as follows: 1) Go into every interaction with two things (or don't go at all); first a positive attitude, and second, open body language. 2) Be the first to make eye contact (your eyes should reflect your attitude). 3) Smile (I will say it again - be the first to offer a genuine smile, as opposed to a fake one). 4) Hi! That is greet the other person with an authentic and pleasing greeting. 5) The final part of introducing yourself is to lean. For most this is almost imperceptible, but it indicates your interest in the other person.

When you cultivate a bond with people they seldom forget you or your business and, in time, you can expect those small seeds to flourish into wonderful relationships.

You only live once.

Thomas Chalmers is an executive coach. He works with executives, politicians, and entrepreneurs. http://www.idealifeinternational.com

Michael Imani, Ph.D. is a mind/body expert. He also is a facilitator in executive coaching at the Robinson College of Business at Georgia State University. http://www.michaelimanicoaching.com

John Quincy Adams
Juan Trippe