From the Arizona Business Gazette...

With networking, it's all giving a lot to get a lot, expert says

by Carol Wissmann
Special for the ABG
Mar. 1, 2007 12:00 AM

Not your narrowly defined, I'm-here-to-drum-up-business networker, Larry James views networking in universal terms.

"Be willing to help, knowing it comes back to you," he said. "That's the whole principle of giving and receiving."

James, a Scottsdale-based professional speaker and coach, is author of Ten Commitments of Networking: Creative Ways to Maximize Your Personal Connections!

Having served on the board of directors of the National Speakers Association-Arizona, James is eloquent in his explanations. Founder of numerous networking groups, one of his most successful was estimated to have exchanged more than $2.5 million in business in only its second year.

"Networking isn't prospecting," James said. "It's not swooping into a room, collecting a bunch of business cards or tossing yours like confetti into the air. Rather, offer your talents to help others achieve their goals while you're cultivating a network of people strategically positioned to support you in achieving yours."

When attention turns to him, he said he tries to be clear and concise in a reply that's no longer than 30 seconds. James offers his name, company name, specifically what he does, and the kind of business leads he is interested in, often repeating his name and business name again at the end.

James said that you can't become disappointed when someone whom you gave a lead to doesn't return one. Although it might be nice if networking, and life in general, came in such exact 50/50 exchanges, he said it usually doesn't. Trust in the cosmic tally; the more you give, the more you get.

"More than anything, networking is a lifestyle," James said. "Contribute. Be of service. And pay attention to opportunities."

Information: (480) 998-9411 or TenCommitmentsofNetworking.com .
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From the Arizona Business Gazette...