The smart way to network

This post came out from The Straits Times (19 June 2015)
Title - The smart way to network

Some pointers that I've got are:
1. Identify your true purpose for networking
2. Maintain your network effectively
3. See networking not as an isolated activity, but a way of life

On Identify your true purpose for networking

• You need to identify the what value you can bring to various groups of people, and your vision for the future - not for yourself, but to the people you are providing services and product to, and how you wish to make their lives better. 

On Maintain your network effectively 

• You should maintain your network of contacts in a smart manner by prioritizing which contacts are the most important.
• People who constantly ask you for favors and information without reciprocating should be placed the lowest on your priority list.
• Those who can potentially form a fantastic symbiotic relationship with you and your business should be right at the top of your priority list.

On See networking not as an isolated activity, but a way of life

• The building of meaningful, mutually beneficial relationships should be what you aim to do every time you meet someone new, or even when meeting old friends.
• For networking to truly work for you, it should not be seen as an isolated activity that you carry out only during specific events, or when meeting certain people. 

Yours,
Something Small Thinking Big