Hello,
My name is Anitra Myrick. And I have a pretty good reputation in my city for being a master networker. I first learned the art of networking about 7 years ago when I started my insurance and financial service agency. I learned that networking, more anything, really added to my book of business. And so I started going to every networking event I could find, shoving my business cards in everyone's hand and collecting quite a few as well. However, I wasn't really sure that I had the art down at that time. Actually, now I KNOW I didn't have the art of networking down. I can't tell you how many cards I had piled up but had never contacted.
In 2007, when the economy crashed, I ended up losing everything. My business and marriage fell apart and I was soon left with three kids to take care of and no income. It was terrible! I literally lost everything. I went from having a lot of success and money to basically being homeless with my three kids, deciding what food bank I would go to on a particular day, and boiling water to take baths. It was a humbling experience that I'm glad I went through and survived. I'm sure some of you can relate and have even harsher stories so I'll spare you the rest of the details.
I had to go through a lot of changes mentally (that I'll share in another post). However, eventually I decided that I would give networking another try. This time to find a job. So I contacted people. But instead of losing their cards. I actually followed up with them. I scraped up enough money for coffee and would meet with individuals to ask them for advice but more importantly to see if I could help them with their goals and businesses and to connect them with other people I knew. I soon found out that the more I tried to help them, even by referring customers, possible partners, etc., the more they helped me or I just magically received help indirectly from someone else. I finally found the key to effective networking.
Some people are good with connecting with others but they are afraid of asking for favors or business. They become lifetime schmoozers but never become successful networkers. The key, yes, is depositing into the emotional bank or helping others, but every once in a while, you need to make a withdrawal, and it's okay. People want to be able to help you in return sometimes. I know many people like this. "Ask and ye shall receive". Make a withdrawal people!!
Not only did I get a job at one of the largest companies in Indiana. I used my networking skills to build relationships with some of the top executives in the company, which eventually branched out to developing relationships with some of the most powerful people in the city. I actually became kind of a "baby" celebrity! Can you believe it! (Maybe in my own head) Not that that's important to me. But having a good reputation in the city does allow me to help other people and I've benefited as well. Within 5 years at the company I got hired on at, I almost doubled my salary to six figures, I've served on numerous non-profit boards, I've been on Fox News, the Indianapolis Woman magazine, and have been written about by other local publishers. And you know what they talk about? They talk about my networking skills and ability to help other people. I've continued to take this knowledge and provide coaching to business owners wanting to expand their market, to students seeking mentors and sponsors that will help them find a career or grow in the one their already in. I've taught Networking and Financial Literacy workshops at international non-profit organizations, like Dress For Success. I feel truly blessed to be able to serve my community and hope to be used even more fully.
Here's my definition of effective or real networking:
It's about helping other people to be more successful. It's about sharing your knowledge, resources, time, energy, friends, associates, understanding, and compassion in an effort to give more service and value to others, while coincidentally increasing your own.
How would you define a true networker?
Yours Truly,
Anitra Myrick
The Networking Coach
