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By Farrah
Gray | SACOBSERVER.COM WIRE SERVICES
(NNPA) - Think of your career goals and
objectives as a race. To go for the gold in your race you
have to start from somewhere.
Despite today's economic hardship, I encourage you to go
for the gold in whatever it is you hope to accomplish.
The first step is to use the powerful tool of networking.
Effective business networking leads to building strong professional
relationships and is highly beneficial in the long run.
The recent article “Recession Got You Worried About
Your Job? 6 Networking Tips for You” on DiversityInc.com
advises people to reach out to their networking circle now
because the U.S. is in a recession and unemployment rates
are skyrocketing.
Knowing the current state of the economy can break you if
you don't take a new direction in your lif e. Here are some
tips on successful ways to network:
- Express and utilize your passion. Your
personal passion is the best guide to yourself. Whatever
it is you like to do use that your advantage. Research and
analyze your specific market to seek opportunities. After
all, to know our strengths gives us direct access to our
power. You know yourself better than anyone else, so find
your niches and expand to better yourself.
- Make a name for yourself. Once you've
found opportunities in your field, use them to make a name
for yourself by promoting yourself. Carrying business cards
at the age of seven, lead20me to become co-founder of Urban
Neighborhood Enterprise Economic Club, in my hometown in
South Side Chicago. It is well deserved to stand out from
others and set standards to what makes unique.
- Be confident. Prepare an introduction
speech on who you are and what you represent to other business
professionals at networking functions. This lets them know
that you mean business and that you believe in yourself.
It's always good to be yourself and have a positive attitude
no matter what you do in life.
- Take advantage of online social networks.
Although some online social networks are first made with
personal connections, they can lead to many professional
opportunities, such as LinkedIn or MeetUp.com. Online social
networks allow you to connect with people that have the
same interests and career objectives as you. This is a great
way to get advice from people who have succeeded in your
field.
- Seize and conquer. Seize and conquer
every networking opportunities that come your way. By networking
with many business professionals you'll be one step closer
to achieving your goals. After all, your success may be
to own a million-dollar corporation or to reach to the top
in management at your dream company.
I too have had economic hardships before reaching success,
but along the way I believed in my market, my products and
my contacts. I know what I know. I know how to fill the “in
betweens.” Now it's your turn to take the steps to achieving
your dream and go for the gold medal waiting for you at the
end of the finish line.
Farrah Gray is the author of "Get Real, Get Rich:
Conquer the 7 Lies Blocking You from Success" and the
international best-seller "Reallionaire: Nine Steps to
Becoming Rich from the Inside Out." He is chairman of
the Farrah Gray Foundation. Gray can be reached via email
at fg@drfarrahgray.com or his web site at www.drfarrahgray.com. |
