As with everything that we do, this has evolved over the years.

Because we don't believe in revisionist history, you can always still find the original version over at http://www.ITintheD.com/68/the-ten-commandments-of-networking/ if you're so inclined...but this version's been updated.

Why?  Because it needed to be.  It's been two and a half years since that first version was written, and things have changed since then.  We've also been doing some speaking engagements using this as the foundation of our presentation and discussion flow, and we've gotten some great feedback from people.  And...well, we also noticed that we might've been a little snarky about some personal things going on at the time the original was published, and so we decided it was time for an update to the version here on the site as well...

As I sit here watching History of the World, Part 1 for, oh, it must be the 8,173rd time...it dawned on me.

If Mel Brooks can use the Ten Commandments to completely crack me up every time I watch his film, then surely I can use them to help those asking "What's networking?"

(it's when a bunch of people get together with a common purpose...and, I know...don't call you "Shirley")

Yeah, sorry. I watched Airplane!, too.

So as we get ready to close out 2011 and start preparations for our 2012 events (and, yes, watching old comedies that I've seen a bajillion times), I thought I would take the time to put my thoughts towards another blog entry...because as Mel would surely agree...we've all met That Guy that breaks them. And so I give unto you these fifteen...[shatter]...oops...ten. Yes, TEN Commandments...for all to obey.

(and if you don't catch that reference, do yourself...and me...a favor. Go rent History of the World, Part 1. Immediately)

COMMANDMENT I - Thou Shall Understand The Importance Of Networking

This one blows up in people's faces.  A lot.  We all know "That Guy".  The person that you've tried to get out to a networking event (ours or another) so that they can meet people.  Or maybe you just wanted to get them out for drinks with a few people from work.  Or maybe there's a recruiter that you invited them to come along for lunch and meet.

But they always have a reason not to go.

They're too busy.  There's too much work.  There's something else that needs to be done.  They don't want to.  Whatever the reason...they never seem to make it.

And then...and this happens so many times...suddenly they need to network.  They get fired.  They get laid off.  The company closed.  Whatever the reason...now they're the ones ringing your phone off the hook and filling up your inbox asking when the next event is, or can they have the name of that recruiter again?  The one that always comes to mind for me is a guy that I tried to talk into coming to an event for seven months, and he always had a reason that he couldn't make it.  And then he got fired.  At the end of the day on the very day that his wife went into labor.  Guess who called me from the parking lot of the hospital the next morning as he drank a coffee after watching his son come into the world to make sure that our event was still taking place the next night?  Bingo.

 

COMMANDMENT II - Beware of False Prophets

There are many kinds of networking events out there. Some are designed to help you find jobs. Some are designed to convince you to cash out your savings to start selling some freaky new juice to your friends and co-workers. Some are designed to be a support group to let you talk with other unemployed folks to compare notes. Some are introductory events for multi-level marketing "systems". Don't get us wrong - if those events are what you're looking for, then we hope they work out for the best for you...