There seems to be a bit of confusion over my post, The Secret to Networking Successfully.

I wrote that the secret to networking successfully is simple:

Know What People Have To Offer and Know What People Need

The post was brief (perhaps too brief!) but it’s all about connecting other people together by matching them up. When you know what people are offering, and you know what people need, you’re able to bring them together. It’s not about selling people on your services/products or being sold – you’re playing matchmaker.

And matchmaking is uber-powerful when it comes to networking because it:

• Keeps you in touch with people
• Raises your profile
• Leads others to reciprocate
• Boosts your networking karma

The idea of network matchmaking is summed up very nicely in this email message (just a sample of what I might send):

Dear Bob,

I hope you’re doing well. It was great speaking with you the other day, and I wish you the best with your new project.

I wanted to introduce you to Leslie (who is cc:’d on this email.) She’s a great graphic designer that I met a few years ago, and I’m confident she could help you out with your project. Her blog is at http://www.greatgraphicdesigner.com. I spoke to her briefly about what you’re doing and it’s right up her alley.

Her email address is leslie@greatgraphicdesigner.com.

Let me know if it works out and if I can help out in any other way.

Sincerely,

Ben

Short, sweet and to-the-point. You’ve just connected two people that need each other. You have put your reputation on the line (so do this cautiously) but even if it doesn’t work out you’ve gained bonus points with Bob and Leslie. They’ll appreciate the effort, thought and willingness to take some time out of your day to connect them.

1. Know What People Need.
2. Know What People Have To Offer.
3. Match ’em Up!