Ask not what your network can do for you - ask what you can do for your network…

One of the seemingly best kept secrets of great networkers is this: You should go into every networking situation asking how you can help those there and not how they can help you!
This sounds contrary to what most of us think is the purpose of networking. Aren’t you networking to get new business or important contacts? Yes, in theory, but the best way to make this happen is to help OTHERS get new business and connect them to important contacts. Remember: People want to help those that help them or, what goes around comes around. However you want to word it – it works.

Try putting this into practice at your next networking opportunity; however, you have to remember that the pay back doesn’t necessarily happen right away, but be patient, and you will be amazed at the results!

Check out these great events and networking opportunities we have attended recently - make plans to join us next time:

Metroplex Technology Business Council Technical Luncheon – http://www.metroplextbc.org
BizTech Roundtable – Dallas - http://www.biztechroundtable.com/
Dallas Ft Worth American Marketing Association’s January Dallas executive luncheon – http://www.dfwama.com
Technology Entrepreneur’s Exchange (Texchange) – Austin - http://www.texchange.org/
Brainstorming Networkers – Austin - http://www.meetup.com/BrainNet/
Austin American Marketing Association (AMA) Luncheon – Austin - http://www.austinama.org/
AMA National – Regional Board Meeting Retreat – Houston
Austin Women in Technology - http://www.awtaustin.org/
Texas Women in Business - http://www.texaswomeninbusiness.org/
Oracle Tech Data Training – Dallas - http://www.techdata.com/content/events/tst/tst_dallas.aspx