Next In Our Series of Goal Setting Articles:
Networking For Success

Our series of goal setting articles continues as we address the importance of networking. It's so important to surround yourself with people who can provide helpful advice in your area of interest.

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Hopefully, by now you see that we're taking a full 360 degree approach to the goal setting process. Goal Setting For Success was created with you in mind. In the following information, you'll learn how to surround yourself in a supportive environment for maximum results.

Successful leaders understand the value networking.  They realize the vast benefit of meeting people through other people as sometimes it's the only way to connect with the people who can help you in pursuing your dreams. 

Successful goal setting plans include building a solid network of support. Your environment should be comprised of people who support your dream and who will encourage your personal growth and development.

Networking is about building strong relationships, which is a subject that could be made into a separate series of goal setting articles.

The primary benefits of networking include meeting like-minded individuals who can assist you in overcoming your learning curve; surrounding yourself with people who encourage you to pursue your goals, and who help you to become your best self in the process. 

In addition, networking effectively requires you to learn soft skills such as introducing yourself; using good eye contact, using a firm handshake and having the ability to carry on a good conversation.

While the first three skills are fairly simple, holding a good conversation can sometimes be uncomfortable.  Not sure what to say? Ask questions about the other person with a genuine interest in getting to know them better.  

Authenticity is the key - never try to fake it - people will feel it.  Be authentic and enjoy getting to know people while building strong relationships are benefit all parties.  

Networking Resources 

There are several great organizations that not only provide support and encouragement, but also provide an environment where you can learn how to more effectively network.

Similar to popular goal setting articles that we researched, we highly recommend these valuable resources:

• SCORE Association (www.score.org) - SCORE "Counselors to America's Small Business" is a nonprofit association dedicated to providing aspiring leaders with free, confidential face-to-face and email business counseling. Leadership development and personal growth training is critical in every leaders career. Score provides an entire library of goal setting articles and other business related topics.
• Local Chamber of Commerce (www.chamberofcommerce.com) - Your local Chamber of Commerce provides a natural networking opportunity for like-minded people to work together toward the improvement of a prosperous community. In addition, you'll gain access to business and leadership relating learning opportunities.
• Rotary International (www.rotary.org) - Rotary is a worldwide organization of business and professional leaders that provides humanitarian service, encourages high ethical standards in all vocations, and helps build goodwill and peace in the world.
• Toastmasters International (www.toastmasters.org) - Toastmasters is the best way to improve your communication skills, which is an important success trait also mentioned in our series of goal setting articles. Eliminate your fear of public speaking and learn skills that will help you to be more successful in your chosen path.

Ask any successful person and he or she will testify that they didn't achieve their success alone. Each one can point to several influential and supportive people who helped guide and mentor them along the way.

For goal setting success, create the leverage you need by surrounding yourself with quality people and organizations. The contacts mentioned above will support and encourage you in your pursuit of personal development and self-growth.

Success Lesson #16: Do You Carry Victory In Your Face?

You will never accomplish anything great unless you not only hold the conviction that victory is your birthright, but also show evidence of it in your face and your manner?

No man can expect to be a conqueror while he carries the confession of defeat in his face. He must not only feel like the winner you might read about in so many success and goal setting articles, but he must act like one; he must show victory in his very expression. 

It is not difficult to pick out a successful man or woman among the masses. If he is a leader, a man who relies upon himself, every step he takes, every movement, will indicate it. He is covered with all of the telltale signs.

There is assurance, confidence in him as he walks and talks like a master of his domain.

No successful person has really ever finished her education until she has learned to live a victorious life, that is, until she has learned to always turn toward victory, never towards defeat.

Nothing is impossible to the man or woman who can positively respond to life's disappointments and challenges.

If you can walk through life knowing that you will always rise higher after any disappointment or tragic event, then your journey will be full of success and happiness. 

Winners expect success - thoughts of losing are barred from their mind, and as a result they win more than most.  When they do not win, they do not call it losing, they refer to it as the cost of their education and they take that information and apply it in their planning for future victories. 

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