At an early age, I learned that giving was an important part of building powerful networks. My mother, the late Rev. Josephine Hill, showed me how to effectively connect with people in a meaningful way (i.e. a way that matters to them). Through her actions, she taught me that when you help someone you unknowingly create opportunities for yourself and the people around you. Those opportunities may not manifest themselves from the same person you helped, but they will eventually come.
My mom was a wife, pastor of a small church, a drug prevention coordinator, advocate for anyone who was disadvantaged, a motivator, and a person who would give you just about anything--even if it meant she would go without. As a child, I felt like she knew everyone, from the drug addict on the street to the mayor of the city, and she treated them all the same--with respect.
I also believed my mom could make just about anything happen. Because of her, I got two jobs without interviewing. I literally walked into "interviews", said "I am Josephine Hill's daughter", smiled, and walked out with start dates in less than 15 minutes. She also introduced me to very influential people in the church and politics. I worked a congressional campaign, served on a board, and got a host of other opportunities before the age of 26, all on the strength of who my mother was and what she had done for others.
Now get this, she wasn't from an affluent family, she did not graduate from a top-tier university, and she was far from rich, but she was connected and trusted by many. And here's why: her philosophy was that by helping others, we are all better. The fruits of her giving to others turned into opportunities for my family.
When I train and mentor people on power networking, one thing I stress is the law of reciprocity. Great networkers believe that what you give comes back ten-fold. They understand the power of generosity leads to powerful reciprocity.
What giving does is position you as a person who has value. When you have value to another person, especially someone of higher influence, he or she is more likely to engage and keep you close or at least in mind. When you only ask for favors or help, you position yourself as a taker, which will create distance and devalue you to the person you want to connect with.
Whether you are a CEO of a Fortune 100 company, a janitor at an elementary school or an unemployed actor, you have value. Never, never, never position yourself as a taker. Always offer something first. When you present yourself as a person of value, your network will grow organically. When you are a giver, you don't have to try so hard to build powerful relationships because they will start to build themselves. If you want to be a power networker, start by giving.
To learn more about the principles of power networking, attend my upcoming workshop at 9AM on October 9th at the Cobb Galleria. For registration details, go to www.thinkmarketing.me. If you are a minority or woman-owned business, use promo code "thinkmwbe" for a special discount.
