Inc Magazine on Keith Ferrazzi
Barry Geiman referred his discussion group to a fantastic how-to about networking in Inc Magazine. I'm going to digest it over a few postings. So, here are Ferrazzi's Rules.
1. Know the right people.
If you want to be one of the top people in the world in whatever you do, you won't get there by knowing a lot of middle-level nobodies.
You've got to go where you can meet the top people and make friends with them.
2. Keep lists of People-To-Know
Keith Ferrazzi, the Super-Networker, collects published lists of the best, the most famous and the up-and-coming. And, when he's in their towns, he calls all of them.
Why? If someone has taken the time to identify them, they're the people you want to know.
3. Build your contact base before you need it.
You can't start quality networking when you actually need a job. It will be obvious that you're simply trying to use someone.
When Ferrazzi calls, there's no clear way you can help him. You just seem like someone worth knowing.
4. Invisibility is awful. Stay in the radar. Never disappear.
Ferrazzi takes one night a week for himself. The other six are for social and business events.
He is in a long-standing relationship but has no children to distract him. His day lasts from 6am till 1pm and every spare minute is an opportunity to call or email someone.
And here is an essential point: he doesn't consider this work. It's his main joy.
End of Part 1
From: Inc. Magazine, Jan 2003, Tahl Raz. Hat Tip: Barry Geiman, Recruiters & Soucers Exchange
Visit Keith Ferrazzi's Never Eat Alone Blog
See also: Types of Networkers and Lifecycle of a Personal Network
