If Networking Is A Game, How Do You Know When You've Won?

In order to effectively answer this question, it might be agood idea to first define the three major elements of thequestion; "Networking", "Game" and "Won."

The reason is that since all of us come from our own world view or paradigm and with our own personal definitions of each term, an answer without definition might lead us to agree or disagree without knowing exactly why.

So....

Networking (Burg's definition): "The cultivating of mutually beneficial, give and take, win/win relationships." By its very definition, this means there can be no losers.

Game: One dictionary definition says, "An activity providing entertainment or amusement; a pastime." Like a professional athlete who loves their sport like the game it is, but still approaches it as a business, the same might go for you. Hopefully, you're having fun while you work; you enjoy the challenge, the learning, and the people with whom you work.

And, while you don't necessarily like everything about the game of Networking, you at least - as Jim Rohn says - "Appreciate the opportunity." In other words, while certain aspects of Networking, such as mingling, follow-up, and occasionally going outside your comfort zone in order to introduce yourself to someone aren't neccessarily things you always like, you appreciate the opportunity to network with others, to cultivate the relationships that will eventually benefit you both.

Won (Win): According to Webster's, "To succeed or prevail in an effort. To triumph, to be victorious.

But, if you prevail or triumph, does that mean someone else has to lose? Well, since, by the very definition of Networking there cannot be a loser, the answer is no.

Then, over whom do you triumph?

If you must triumph over someone, perhaps it is yourself. It's getting past your fears and reaching out in order to sow the seeds of a new win/win relationship; to cultivate that relationship, and even to do the things necessary to reap from that relationship, and then being able to duplicate those results by helping others.

But, back to the original question, how do you know when you've won?

If Networking is a game, you know you've won if....

You feel really good about the relationships you're cultivating.

The people with whom you are cultivating these relationships feel really good about the relationship you're cultivating.

You find your prospect list getting bigger and bigger, with more qualified prospects. You are adding wealth, prosperity and happiness to the lives ofothers.

You're getting to present your products and/or services to more people than ever before.

You've reached a higher achievement level within your company (salesperson of the month?).

You're on your way to reaching a higher achievement level within your company.

People seem to gravitate toward you in ways they previously did not.

Your check is getting bigger and bigger.

Are the above happening in your life and business? Is successon the outside beginning to manifest? If so, it's a direct result of your personal growth on the inside.

And, if you're continually growing on the inside....then you KNOW you've won the game!


Bob Burg