“Pause Before You Pass” & Maximize Networking

Let’s get right to it.  At the end of the day, the main reason most of us connect and network is to be “in the know” when opportunities arise.  While it may be common sense that the more you network, the more potential you’ll have, why do some professionals continue to miss hidden opportunities to create mutually beneficial relationships?

Pause Before You Pass | The Choice Is Yours

The next time valuable information comes your way, take a moment to “pause before you pass” (ie: consider how this data might benefit someone else in your network before you delete it or ignore it).  When you become the recipient of insights that might help others, you have two choices.

(1.) You can ignore the information because it’s not relevant to you

(2.) Make a conscious effort to share with others (referrals, career opportunities, leads, industry conferences, etc.) to generate network value.

When you choose to share information with others, you have the potential to reinforce solid connections and establish yourself as a valuable and relevant resource.  When you choose not to act, you risk sending those same contacts elsewhere  for assistance.  The potential value that would have been generated in your circle of influence now gets created in someone else’s network.

As a connection coach, one of the most rewarding parts of my job is serving others and witnessing the benefits of a pay it forward approach to networking.  For those of you who have experienced networking benefits first hand, you can probably relate to the excitement of being transformational in someone else’s life.  Seek new ways to take advantage of every opportunity you have to be a contribution to others and pause before you pass!