THIS IS A MUST READ.
Shally-fan, Bull Doza, has disgorged some of the networking secrets fed to him by the great man and, as you might expect, it's messy but fascinating.
1. Never expect reciprocation.
Every expert networker says this and it's quite smart though it takes a lot of hard work to attain such a generous frame of mind. And, there's a problem. Most expert networkers seem to have very thick skins. I'm sure they're not pushovers for a one-way stream of favours and yet where's the detailed advice about never being a doormat?
2. Deflate your pride. Compliment your friends instead of yourself (but don't be afraid to tell them when they are wrong).
3. Don't crow about your success.
Come on, Shallworth. Celebrating your success is not the same as ingrained arrogance and vanity. You should make that clear.
4. This is the most interesting part. Don't mix your links.
Shally divides everyone he knows into A's and B's. (C's are B's who goof up). And the rule is: don't mix levels. You want to deliver value to your friends so don't burden the good guys with introductions to the bad or mediocre. Once in a while a B deserves to be an A so you connect her with other new A’s. But don’t introduce an old A to new A and never ever introduce an A to a C
5. When you endorse something or someone you are betting the farm as far as your reputation is concerned so don't take any chances. Be 110% sure your endorsee won't goof up.
6. Make sure your close contacts know more than you about something. It sounds mercenary if you surround yourself with people merely because they are useful. But if their superior knowledge makes them the people whose company you sincerely want to enjoy, well, that's another story.
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