A Happy Woman's Guide to Networking

Whoever gave birth to Marie Forleo thank you. This bright light is shifting women's' attitudes about business with her trademark enthusiasm, grace and a lot of wisdom for someone so young. This week Marie helped me to reframe my attitude about networking, a word I used to reject and now embrace fully.

While I have been in broadcasting for about thirty five years, the very word networking has always turned me off. I'm going to say up front that working on television has many advantages; one of the big ones is that people recognize you. So there's a bit of an edge when you show up at an event and don't know anybody. However you still have to follow through once the initial introductions have been made. Believe me I have met some fabulous people when I have had the courage to attend but I've always felt that there was somewhere I would rather be and frankly I felt that there was probably somewhere most of the people attending would rather be as well.

Until I met Marie...well we haven't actually met in person yet. I subscribe to her newsletter and watch her videos with great interest. I think we're cyber friends.

This week Marie offered eight tips, no make that rules for networking and I am excited to share my take on these rules. I just love them and I hope that you will too.

Rule number 1: When you go to a networking event go with the intention of serving others. As you meet people, think of what you can give to them instead of what you can get from them.

Rule number 2: Be present. Be with the person you're in conversation with instead of looking around or past the person in front of you, to see what other interesting people might be there. Be present. I love that one. I always felt that people were moving on before we even got started.

Rule number 3: Listen more than speak. Listen...now that's a beautiful gift to give someone right there.

Rule number 4: Think long term not short term. Think of getting to know someone for who they are and not what they can do for you. Amazing relationships can blossom out of this intention.

Rule number 5: Don't over commit. Don't feel that you have to have coffee with everyone you meet or dinner, or call them or get together on the weekend at your cottage. It's fine to have a nice chat and move on with no promise of "I'll call you later." No guilt either.

Rule number 6: Be honest. 

Rule number 7: Take immediate action. If you promise someone you'll look into something for them, do it and let them know. I have built a reputation on returning phone calls and emails promptly. I do it because my word matters.

Rule number 8: Only go to events that excite you. 

Thank you Marie Forleo for allowing me to paraphrase your wisdom and thank you for stopping by.