Effortless Networking How Not To Feel Like A Quotpestquot When You Network

Writen by Sri Dasgupta

Do you feel like a "pest" who's out for her/his own gain, when you network?

Well, let's take a look at how not to feel this way.

But first, the truth: You *are* out for your own gain when you network.

If you didn't need anything, would you network?

I think not.

(And if you say that you network simply because you like to help others, I'd say you're still out for your own gain -- except in this case, you "gain" something at some level by helping others.)

Now, even though you are networking just to get something you want, it doesn't make you a "pest".

Here's why:

Others are networking for their own gain too.

However, often people don't express or ask for what they want. And you can't know what others want unless they either tell you about it or ask you for help.

So if you're feeling like a "pest" when you're networking with someone, chances are you're not sure how to reciprocate.

If so, go ahead and ask the other person what they're looking for.

Offer to help in whatever way you can. Leave it up to the other person to take you up on your offer (or not).

And I bet this very simple action on your part will take care of this problem -- the one about you feeling like a pest, I mean.

If you think this is too simple, try it out! See what happens.

(c) Copyright 2006, Srirupa Dasgupta Sri Dasgupta helps business professionals get better results from their business networking efforts through focused and relevant conversations. She is the author of the Effortless Networking: Everyday Wisdom to Transform your Business and Life, and writes regular articles offering business networking tips and related resources.