Ken Lazar, CEO, of Ability Professional Network, and Frank Agin, Principal of AmSpirit Business Connections are our guests.
In today’s world, networking has become an essential skill that everyone needs to possess, whether it is for job searching or building a business.
As Frank Agin, Principal of AmSpirit Business Connections, explains networking is simply two or more people working towards mutual benefit. It comes down to human relations. He emphasizes that people tend to think they don’t network. But in reality, everyone does, whether they realize it or not. How did you meet your spouse or find a babysitter? These are all examples of networking.
Ken Lazar, CEO, of Ability Professional Network, echoes this sentiment. He states that our mothers taught us everything we need to know about connecting before we were ten years old. He believes that networking is all about being passionate about helping people find work. That led him to start his own company. He co-founded the Sales Connection, launched Tuesday Tune Up, and was instrumental in developing the Scioto Ridge job networking Group during the 2008 recession.
For Frank Agin, his career started in public accounting. But he left to go into private practice and realized he had no idea how to get clients. He was introduced to a networking organization that put together groups of entrepreneurs, sales reps, and professionals to exchange referrals. He became the organization’s first franchisee in 1997, bought it out in 2003, and rebranded it as AmSpirit Business Connections.
Volunteering is the one thing that Frank Agin believes people should do. It allows them to connect with others who share their passions and interests. It also shows that they are a good person to those who may not be interested in the same cause. Networking is defined as promoting and helping others rather than just promoting oneself.
Networking is crucial for success. It involves building social capital and relationships with others who can help and support one’s goals. It is also a way to learn from others and gain new perspectives and ideas. The purpose of networking is to help someone who has a need, and by doing so, you build up a social bank account of people who know you and have received help from you. This can lead to future opportunities and referrals.
The top five critical practices in networking are adding value to others, having the mindset that every contact has an opportunity, being a good listener, building trust, and being willing to ask for help. It is important to make friends, play nice, take a bath, and do your homework, as well as smile and use the word “terrific” to create a positive impression when networking.
While virtual networking has opened up new opportunities, it can also be overwhelming and time-consuming, leading some to prefer phone calls or in-person meetings. Professional organizations and associations can be a valuable source of networking opportunities, as they connect individuals with others in their industry or trade.
In conclusion, networking is a learned skill that requires patience, strategic planning, and a diversified plan. It is important to show integrity and reliability, to be a good listener, and to ask questions to understand what others need. While networking may not always lead directly to job opportunities, it can provide valuable connections and information for job seekers. Remember to always approach networking with a mindset of giving first and then giving back.
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Recorded in Studio C at 511 Studios. A production of Circle270Media Podcast Consultants.
Copyright 2023 Carol Ventresca and Brett Johnson
