I've often mentioned how much I enjoy the simple clarity of the Manager Tools Podcast. These guys have fun with a subject nobody seems to enjoy learning, but everybody needs to improve on (guilty-as-charged!)
Check out their May 9th cast talking about Building a Network, wherein they outlined several tips and ideas for creating a valuable, sustainable, meaningful network of people in your life.
If you can't get this on CD or your MP3 player to listen in your car, come in to work early and listen closely (do NOT open your email!).
Here's my favorite tip from the cast:
In my opinion, the key to building a good network is not who you know, it's what you do for them.
They talk about a study where people were put into a networking situation with sensors to know who they talked to, for how long, etc. The results showed that most of the people talked to people just like them (not so good for building a network).
However, an interesting thing they found was that the bartender had built the best, most-diverse network in the room by the time the evening was over. Clearly, people wanted something he had, and they went and got it from him.
I also wonder if the bartender was more successful because his purpose was not "to network". His purpose was to sell drinks give them something they wanted first, knowing he would get what he wanted later (money). Ok, maybe only a few seconds later, but the principle works.
Oh, and they also mention one of my favorite books "Love is the Killer App"
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