The Time to Build a Network is Before You Need It.

By Bill Hodges

©2000 Hodges Seminars International

To paraphrase The Golden Rule, "Do unto others well before you need them to do unto you." If this seems a bit mercenary, so be it. Times of trouble are not the time most of us function best. Troubled times are not the best time to have to build support systems or form new beneficial relationships. The best time to build a network of people to support you is when you don't need them.

How do we find people to be a part of our support network? Believe it or not, they are all around us. Even more incredible is the fact that most people get satisfaction from helping others in time of need, especially if they are helping someone they know and like. Our task, when building a support network, is to make as many people as possible feel they know us. Here are some ways we can do that.

1. Smile and give cheery greetings to all you meet. For many, it is a lonely world. Your greeting may be the only kind words some people hear in an entire day. They will look forward to seeing you again.

2. Call people by name. There is nothing that pleases most people more than the recognition they receive when someone remembers to call them by name. If you remember to call them by name, they will feel obligated to remember your name and use it, too.

3. Patronize the same places regularly. Take time to compliment the staff and management when you find things to your liking. A sincere compliment will go a long way toward making you memorable.

4. Be a good listener. If you are a good listener, there is little doubt that people will beat a path to your door, as soon as they find out you have this highly sought skill.

5. Hone your conversational skills. Read periodicals, newspapers and magazines that present a wide variety of news and public affairs information. If you have something to say, people will listen and enjoy being with you. However, before you go overboard on this idea, be sure you have mastered skill number four.

In 1948, the definitive song about procrastination debuted. It was called "Manana." It went like this, "The window, she is broken and the rain is coming in. If someone doesn't fix it, I'll be soaken to my skin. But if I wait a day or two, the rain will go away. And who will need a window on such a sunny day?" The singer made two mistakes. First, he expected someone else to fix the window; and, second, he planned to ignore the needed repair when the emergency was over. Don't let that happen to you. If you find it is raining in your life and your support systems are not adequate, do not wait for someone else to fix themdo it yourself. If the sun is shining for you, remember there is always the potential for rain, and now is the time to build a strong shelter of friends. Networking is your responsibility, and relationships are always in need of expansion, renewal and repair.

Bill Hodges is a nationally recognized speaker, trainer, and syndicated columnist. Hodges may be reached at Hodges Seminars International, P.O. Box 89033, Tampa, FL 33689-0400. Phone 813/641-0816.

Web site: http://www.BillHodges.com