Does networking really work?

DAVE SHERMAN

My name is Dave Sherman. Many of you know who I am because of my involvement in the local Jewish community. Even more of you know me as The Networking Guy. I have spent the past five years speaking all over the Valley as well as the rest of the country, inspiring people to embrace a whole new way of networking.

Through this column, I will provide you with some great information on how to enjoy greatest success in your business and more satisfaction in your life.

Over the past three to four months, I have made a startling discovery about the process of networking. I have discovered the grim reality that networking doesn't work. Millions of people attend thousands of networking functions, hand out billions of business cards - and most of them walk away from events disappointed because they didn't accomplish what they wanted, which was to grow their business and become more successful.

Trying to meet people with the sole purpose of selling them your product or service doesn't work. People are tired of being sold. They are tired of businesses looking at them like they are nothing but a huge wallet.

What do people really want when they network? They want to have the opportunity to meet and connect with new people who want to get to know who they are, not just what they do. People want to create a level of commonality with the people they meet because it's these connections that lead to success in business and in life.

Each month, I will share my viewpoints with you on the topic of creating connections. I will show you new and exciting ways to meet more people. I will address the mystery of body language and how it impacts your ability to meet the most people.

I will even share many of the issues that I deal with when it comes to creating connections, because how can I begin to create a long lasting connection with all of you unless I open myself up a bit and let you see the real me? That's how the deepest and most meaningful connections are made, and I'm looking forward to creating great connections with you. See you next month.

Dave Sherman is the owner of Connection Pros, a speaking, training and consulting organization that helps people create connections with potential business contacts. His Web site is www.connectionpros.com and he can be reached at 480-860-6100 or e-mail at dave@connectionpros.com.

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