Have you been approached at a networking event by someone who only
talked about himself and seemed eager to thrust information into
your hands about his business?  He didn't ask anything at all about
you or your business. 

How did you react?  If you're like most people, you took a step
back, either literally or figuratively.  Why?  Because he was
trying to take from you without giving anything in return. 

Contrast that behavior with the person who asked a lot of questions
about you and seemed genuinely interested in what you had to say.
When you mentioned that you were moving, she asked if you wanted
the name of a good moving company (not a company that she is
connected to or gains any benefit from).

How did you react to that person?  If you're like most people, you
felt a genuine connection and wanted to get to know her better.

All too often, people approach networking events with the mindset
of "What can I get from this event or from the people I meet
there"?  They are either completely focused on themselves and their
needs or they are thinking about how they can do something that
will be of mutual benefit to them and the other party (you do
something for me and I'll do something for you).

Effective networkers, however, are not concerned about what they
will get.  They are focused on other people and are thinking about
what they can give to them, regardless of whether they will get
anything in return.  They approach networking and life with an
attitude of abundance, knowing that the more they give, the more
they will receive.

Our challenge is for  you to attend your next networking event
focused only on other people and finding ways to meet their needs.