The more I learn about networking, the more I try to apply that knowledge to my daily life.

The more networking sessions I attend, whether public or private, I begin to realize that there are two main categories of networkers - the hunters and the sharers.

The Hunter

At the networking event, the Hunter tends to collect or give out as many name cards as possible. Once he picks up your namecard, it becomes very obvious after the initital contact, they will eagerly arrange a meeting with you. When you meet, it becomes a one way conversation where the hunter pushes his products/services to you. You find yourself being the recipient of a very zealous sales presentation. You walk away from the meeting wondering if you have benefited from the meeting or find it a waste of time.

After that, the "Hunter" keeps calling to follow up. Usually these people aren't interested in promoting your products/services, nor are they really that interested in you as a person.

The Sharer

The Sharer tends to be rather unassuming during the networking event. You find that he doesn't really talk to that many people. However, upon contact, they usually ask which industries you deal with. They are looking out for their business friends who need certain services/products.

If you do have a contact for them, they are very happy to learn that, and will arrange a meeting with you, if they find that there is mutual benefit. Upon the next meeting, you find yourself, sharing your experiences in the marketplace, your list of contacts in the various industries. You get a valuable referral from him and likewise, he gets one from you. You walk away knowing that you've made a friend who will watch out for your business as well.

It's very rare to meet sharers in the common networking events, but there are such quality people out there. They are very experienced in exchanging referrals, and have the capability for long term business friendships. You can count on them and their network. I

f you do meet such a gem, share and connect them with other like minded ones. This way, you build a quality network for yourself.

I find that BNI Rendezvous is a place for Sharers, not Hunters. In the long term, sharers will band together as a pack and the hunters will hunt alone.

Be a "Sharer" not a "Hunter" networker and you'll find yourself a group of loyal friends who you can depend on.