3-DNETŪ

WHAT IS NETWORKING ?

"NETWORKING" in the new millenium will be done very differently...it will be done the "3-DNET INTERNET" way.

Networking is simply "talking to people." When people say you should network, they mean you should talk to people. People are happy to help others if they can. You need to be clear about HOW you'd like their help and clear about what you're looking for.

But is it that simple ? NO, OFCOURSE NOT. That is why most Individuals and Industry could use a 3-DNET VIP membership. For general information, a few pointers are outlined below.

First, make a list of all the prospects to whom you can talk. These people do NOT need to be friends, or even acquaintances, just any and all Individuals and/or Industry with whom you have enough of a common thread to initiate a conversation. If you can pick up the phone and call them, for any reason, they are potential networking contacts. Using this loose definition, most people have hundreds, perhaps even a thousand contacts.

Make the best use of your network by giving people an EASY way to help you. Rather than saying: "I am looking for new prospects. Do you know of any ?" ask for their tips, leads and suggestions. (You can be sure that if they know of a job and/or busines lead that is a goodfit for you they will include that as well!).

Use the target statement developed in Steps 1 and 2 (see VIP members websites) to prepare a brief statement about what you're looking for and the kind of help you'd like to get:

"I'm looking for an entry level job in events management. Do you know anyone who is working as a convention planner or events manager? Do you know anyone who works for X company or Y company? Can you give me their name and telephone number? May I say that you asked me to call?"

[For examples of introductions you can use in networking, see VIP member websites Sample 30-Second Speeches.]

Your contacts don't have to be people who can obviously help you. Don't limit yourself by thinking, "How could my neighbor know anything about events management?" Give your neighbor a chance to tell you that her son is an attorney for the founder of a large local association that plans conferences all over the U.S. This may look like a "long shot" until you consider that EVERYONE has a network. With assistance from your neighbor, her son may introduce you to someone in HIS network.

[Nervous about networking? Read "Are You Reluctant to Ask Strangers for Job and/or Business Leads?" in the VIP members websites.]

Sources for Networking Contacts:

Remember: all you need is a connection that would allow you to call and say who you are, get a nod of recognition that there IS a connection, and ask for specific leads, information and introductions.

The article, "How to Use, Not Abuse, Your Network " on the VIP member websites, spells out some of the tips and traps of networking in the job search. Here are some avenues for contacts:

A 3-DNET VIP membership

Personal Contacts

Friends, acquaintances, neighbors, relatives, church members, classmates, teachers, club members.

Professional Contacts

Employers, supervisors, colleagues, subordinates, clients, customers, fellow association members.

Internet Contacts

Subscribers to mailing lists you participate in, any personal or professional contact that you might communicate with via e-mail.

All the People Your Contacts Know

Just as you have hundreds, or thousands, of people in your network, so each person you contact is connected to others. You want to be able to call a stranger and say: "Phil Wilson said you'd be the best person to talk to about convention bookings in the West Bay."

WHAT NEXT ? REGISTER AS A VIP MEMBER NOW via: Register AND OBTAIN ACCESS VIA YOUR PERSONAL RESOURCE CENTRE TO INTERNET'S MOST INTERACTIVE & EXCITING GLOBAL NETWORKING.

3-DNETŪ is a secure and effective way to make new contacts
-- both business and social!

Networking is a requirement for Business and Individual alike.
The ONLY security these days is how wide your network is and how shrewdly you market yourself.
3-DNETŪ can assist you!

Copyright 1996 The 3-D Network Company
3-DNETŪ is a registered trademark of The 3-D Network Company International Inc.