How not to feel like a “pest” when you network
Do you feel like a “pest” who’s out for her/his own gain, when you network?
Well, let’s take a look at how not to feel this way.
But first, the truth: You *are* out for your own gain when you network.
If you didn’t need anything, would you network?
I think not.
(And if you say that you network simply because you like to help others, I’d say you’re still out for your own gain — except in this case, you “gain” something at some level by helping others.)
Now, even though you are networking just to get something you want, it doesn’t make you a “pest”.
Here’s why:
Others are networking for their own gain too.
However, you can’t know what they want, unless they either tell you about it or ask you for help.
So go ahead and ask people what they’re looking for.
Offer to help in whatever way you can. (More on this topic and how not to over-extend yourself is covered in module 4 of the Effortless Networking program.)
Leave it up to the other person to take you up on your offer (or not).
And I bet this very simple action on your part will take care of this problem — the one about you feeling like a pest, I mean.
In fact, try it out.
Then come back and post a comment below to let us know how it worked for you. Is that a deal?
Till next week,
– Sri
