Small Business Today Magazine JUN 2014 MASTERWORD SERVICES INC | Page 21

EDITORIALFEATURE

•

•
•
•

•

payback for you? If there’s a discrepancy in
these answers, how do you feel about it?
Are there networking situations which are
beneficial for all parties? If so, analyze and
align with those situations rather than with
the fruitless ones.
What types of “wild goose chases” have you
pursued in your networking career? Analyze
them by category to see patterns.
Is the person requesting something of you
willing to offer something first?
Are the people truly communicating when
they network or are hidden agendas their
reason for networking? Without communicating wants, it is tough to achieve outcomes.
How much time away from business can you

take? How does it compare with the business
you can or will generate?
 Cut the weeds by acknowledging that your
time for networking and volunteering is a commodity. Budget it each year. Examine and benchmark the reasons and results. Set boundaries and
offer your time on an “a la carte” basis. Associate
with those who feel similarly. Show and demonstrate respect for each other’s time. Be careful not
to pro bono yourself to death.
Hank Moore has advised over 5,000 client organizations including public sector agencies, small businesses, non-profit organizations, and 100 of the Fortune 500.  Contact Hank by phone
at 713-668-0664, by email at hankmoore4218@sbcglobal.
net, or visit his website at www.hankmoore.com.