Читать книгу Business Networking Simplified - Les Garnas - Страница 24

Most successful people have gotten where they are because they have a set of specific goals to work toward. Your networking goals are not any less serious than career goals that have made you successful. So, start by defining your networking goals, both short- and long-term.

If you are looking for a new job to expand and refine your credentials, what kind of industry, company and position do you want to work in? If you have your own business and are looking to expand it, how many and what kind of new clients do you want to bring into your customer mix? How much revenue do you want to generate from these new additions, and over what period of time?

If you work within an organization and are thinking about your best moves for work experience and responsibility advancement, is your goal to earn a promotion, to move to a different department, to expand your opportunities by working overseas or in a sister company to the parent? Do you want to use your networking skills to build support for key concepts and plans to demonstrate your leadership skills, thereby helping company executives to see your leadership potential? Or do you want to build support for key concepts and plans to encourage group problem-solving? to foster better interdepartmental communications? to focus attention on pivotal business issues? to boost morale? to create team spirit?

Are you looking to network outside your company to gain industry expertise? to develop personal recognition as an industry expert? to share technical or scientific information with other specialists working on similar projects?

In your personal life, are you interested in gaining political advantage by running for office, being named to a political appointment, or influencing policy issues? Do you want to develop a power base in your community by taking a leadership role in local organizations and events? Are you interested in social standing, such as membership in the right clubs or invitations to certain high-profile events?