The best networkers — those who make the best use of networking as a tool for professional and personal growth — are people who know that networking is a life skill, not just something to do from time to time.
They network by connecting with different cultures, ages, special-interest groups and other networks. They do not restrict themselves to a certain type of individual. They know that centers of power are dispersed and can be discovered anywhere, at any time. A true networker sees through surface distinctions and recognizes value, cultivates it, and then harnesses and harvests it.
In fact, they understand that by erecting cultural barriers, they limit their opportunities. They are constantly making strong connections, following up, keeping in touch, identifying and making contact with spheres of influence, and forming win–win strategic alliances and working groups. Whatever be the field of expertise, networking is essential to influence and power.
Master networkers have much to teach leaders at any level about building influence. In fact, if you are not a master networker, it is highly unlikely that you will be an effective leader or have any substantial influence in your networks, communities, or workplace.
The best leaders know that influence is constructed one person at a time and that it is never detered by race, ethnicity or cultural diversity. They make heart-to-heart connections with people when they talk to them. They listen with their hearts as well as their ears. They empathize and they express care and concern. In essence, they make a personal investment in the persons they encounter — whoever they happen to be.