Seven keys to a strong network

A strong network doesn’t just happen. It takes time, effort, and patience. Here are seven tips for creating and maintaining a group of contacts:

Key #1: Build it before you need it 在需要它之前建立它
Building a network is a lifelong process, and relationships take time to develop. If you wait until you need help, it may be too late. The odds are you already have a network, but have not developed it to its full potential. Start with your family and friends. Move on to business contacts, members of your church, club members, etc.
从家庭和朋友开始，到工作联系、社团成员，这些是基础关系网。

This is your base network. If you have weaknesses, get to work. Call up the old friend from college. Email a buddy from your old job. Add business contacts to your Christmas card list. Attend industry events and talk to as many people as you can.
从大学老友、以前的工作伙伴、或者从圣诞贺卡入手，多参加些行业活动，尽量多和人交谈。

Key #2: You must make a deposit before you have the right to withdraw 先存后取
Just because you have a name and number doesn’t mean a person is part of your network. You must first help them before you can ask a favor. View it like a bank account. Can you take out money if you never make deposits? I’ve known people who try to do this. After about two requests they are no longer welcome. Pretty soon they are on their own and have a reputation for being self serving.
知道别人的名字和联系方式，并不等于别人在你的关系网中。你需要先帮助别人，然后才能请求别人的帮助。如果别人向你伸出手，也先确认他有这个信用。

Something as simple as saying thank you can be a major deposit in your network bank account. If someone gives you a hand, make sure they get credit. See an article in the paper they would like? Cut it out and send it to them, or put them in touch with a resource that can help them with a problem.
让他说“谢谢你”是一种简单有效的存款的方式。比如看到一些有用的文章，剪下来发给他，或者将他们连接到有助于解决问题的资源。

Key #3: Give more than you receive 给予多余索取
This goes hand-in-hand hand with number two. Strive to maintain a positive (and growing) balance. Compare this with personal finance. You must always make more than you spend.

Key #4: Be open and genuine 保持开放的心态和真诚的态度
People will spot it if you are phony. Relax and be yourself. Just make sure you keep away from volatile topics like religion and politics! To make the most of a network, you must sincerely like people and enjoy helping others when you are able. Say “yes” when you can, but also know when you have to say “no”.
人们会察觉你的虚伪。所以放松，做回你自己。不过确定自己不去卷入人种或者政治议题。你只需要真诚的喜欢他们，乐于帮助他们。在有能力的时候说“好的”，也知道是么时候说“不”。

Key #5: Follow up and stay in touch 保持联系
Even the best contact will get old and stale. I like to view a relationship as two people tied together by delicate strands. Each time you make contact adds another strand. If you stay with your initial meeting the connection is tenuous. It is only when you have hundreds of these strands woven together that you have an unbreakable cable.
在好的关系也会陈旧和变质。人与人的关系好比丝线，每次联系就多建立一条。只有几百条丝线在一起才会牢固。

Key #6: The devil is in the details 细节是魔鬼
Even the experts have trouble remembering all the details. Write things down. If you get a business card, take notes on the back after you finish your conversation. Use that pad of paper at the meeting. What is their spouse’s name? Do they have kids? What ages and genders? What college did she attend? What is his birthday?
好记性不如烂笔头。如果你得到了一张名片，碰面后，尽快在背面记下细节。比如伴侣的名字，有没有孩子，男孩还是女孩，那个大学毕业，生日是几号等等。

Key #7: Your network doesn’t end with your contact 关系网不止于你自己的朋友
Each of your contacts has their own network. Don’t be afraid to call and ask “do you know someone who can help?” If you are doing the steps above, they will be glad to make the introduction.
朋友们也有自己的关系网，不要害怕问“你认识能帮助我的人吗？”如果你已经做足功课，别人会很乐于为你引荐。

From Wealth and Wisdom，简单翻译。