How to Network Your Way

to the Life You Dream

15 Ways Networking Helps Your Dreams Grow into Reality
by
Dawn Billings, CEO and Founder of The Heart Link Network

a gift from The Heart Link Network, www.TheHeartLinkNetwork.com 1

Contents

Introduction……………………….….………………..4

1. Network with Integrity………….…….……………….5

2. Network with Action…………….…………………….6

3. Network with Differentiation……….…………….…..7

4. Network with Appreciation…………………………...8

5. Network with Attention………………………………..9

6. Network with Optimism……………………………...10

7. Network with Empathy……………………………….11

8. Network with Intelligence……………………………..12

9. Network with Joy…...……….....………………….…..13

10. Network with Accountability...............……………… 14

11. Network with Excellence……………………………...15

12. Network with Insight………………..…………………16

13. Network with Enthusiasm……………………………..17

14. Network with Focus….………………………………..18

15. Network with HEART…………………….…………..19

About the Author www.TheHeartLinkNetwork.com .............20

 Decide to
Network
Use every letter you write,
Every conversation you have,
Every meeting you attend
to express your fundamental
beliefs and dreams.

Affirm to others the vision of the world you want.

Network through thought.
Network through love.
Network through spirit.

You are the center of the network.

You are the center of the world.
You are a free, immensely powerful source
of life and goodness,
affirm it, spread it, radiate it.

Think day and night about it.

And you will see a miracle happen:
The greatness of your own life.
Not in the world of big powers, media, and monopolies,
but of five and a half billion individuals.
Networking is the new freedom, the new democracy,
a new form of happiness.
Dr. Robert Muller
Former Assistant Secretary-General
United Nations
 INTRODUCTION

Times have changed. The job market

is increasingly competitive and cut-
throat so more and more people
desire to be in business for
themselves. Many love the idea of
the flexibility, the challenge,
and the opportunity that comes
with a direct selling, or network marketing business, but often they do not
realize how imperative developing the ability to network truly is for the
success of their business. They usually have knowledge of their product, skills
to make powerful presentations, and great enthusiasm but struggle finding
people to make presentations to. If you have ever found yourself in a similar
situation, I have written this simple reference guide to help you. I want you to
Make Sure Your Dreams Come True.

My philosophy is simple.

In Order to Be Great . . .
You must Learn to Make Every Connection Valuable!

Isn’t it a sad snapshot of our society today that the interest we pay on our
credit cards is too high while the interest that we pay to those around us is too
low. Your opportunities for great success lie within your grasp, but dreams
are never accomplished alone. That is why I want to share with you a way to
expand your circle of influence and make many more wonderful friends with
this powerful tool called networking.

Take these networking ideas and reflect on them. Then apply them your life
and work and watch the transformation begin. All it takes is you, a dream that
you wish to make come true, and your willingness to be undeniably great.
1. Network with Integrity

Your integrity will affect

your destiny;
don’t leave home without it.
Clarence Hodges

G reat networking, like

great relationships, requires integrity. Great networkers are sincere, honest, truthful
and consistent in their conversations under all circumstances. They do not promise
things they don’t mean, or attempt to take advantage of others. Trust is a critical
and necessary building block for all relationships. Trust is established when
integrity is a primary value held by both individuals involved in a relationship.
Relationships built on a strong foundation of integrity can weather any storm.

Integrity calls each of us to be whole and complete in word and deed. It asks that
we do what we say we will do, when we say we will do it, and that we will be who
we say we will be. Integrity gives the words we speak great value, and only our
actions will determine their worth, as well as, our net worth. If we live lives filled
with integrity our businesses will not only thrive, but grow strong. Without
integrity our relationships, dreams and businesses will wither like daisies in the
desert. Only you can choose. The great news is that it is all up to you, but if I were
you, I would always network with integrity.
2. Network with Action

Make the most of today.

Translate your good intentions
into actual deeds.
Grenville Kleiser

L iving your dreams requires that you

take a leap of faith and believe in yourself and
others to help you get where you want to go.
Jumping in completely can be intimidating
when you begin but all great dreams require
action to come alive. Action is defined by movement. “In order to make your
dreams come true you simply must Get Up, Get Out, and Get Determined to Make
Your Dreams Real.” Consistent action has consistent results. Dedicated, loyal,
respectful, behaviors create loyalty. We are all we aware of the behaviors that
choke the life out of loyalty. We know the pain of being disappointed, dissatisfied
and betrayed. We each understand that “Actions speak louder than words.” It is
imperative that we keep our actions consistent with the words, “You can count on
me.” “I have a great connection for you,” and “I live and work committed to
excellence.” People are watching and listening to every word you say. They are
choosing every day who and who not to do business with. Let the actions you take,
speak volumes about the quality person you are, and people will take action to do
business with you.
3. Network with Differentiation

Knowing what makes you different—

understanding what makes you unique,
is the key to providing knowledge,
insight and/or a product, or service
that has the potential to change your life,
and the lives of those you meet.
Dawn L. Billings, Author,
CEO & Founder of The Heart Link Network

D ifferentiation is a critical part of

great networking. Differentiation is the ability to differentiate one person’s

strengths and talents from another. Great dreamers must recognize the talents
and gifts their colleagues naturally bring to a situation and the talents and gifts
of those around them. They know people have different strengths and interact
according to their own individuality. When you understand the strengths of
individuals, you can build on them and utilize their talents to aid you in making
your dreams come true. People working within their core strengths are happier,
healthier, more productive and more satisfied with their lives. As you begin to
truly understand what differentiates YOU, and makes you stand out and truly
unique, you will be that much closer to living the dream that was given
specifically and specially to you. Do something that causes you to stand out
while at the same time reinforces your identity and values. You are unique.
Bring your uniqueness with you wherever you go, and give it as your gift to the
world.
4. Network with Appreciation

There’s no doubt about it,

appreciation in any form at any time
brightens anyone’s existence.
And, like a beam of sunlight
striking a mirror,
the brightness is reflected back at you.
Author Unknown

A ppreciation is is a gift we give

to someone who has blessed our lives. It is a small price to pay for enormous

returns. Appreciation in all relationships, including professional relationships,

refreshes and replenishes a relationship just as water nourishes a plant. When
someone helps you by giving you a lead, referring a friend or customer to you,
or remembers to “remember” you in conversation, it is imperative that you
show your appreciation. There is no better advertisement than ‘word of mouth’.

Each individual you meet is an endowment--a gift, and a wonderful

opportunity. Because each person you meet is a gift, it is important that you
remember to acknowledge and appreciate everything about them, even the little
things. Appreciation is recognition. All individuals crave being recognized.
When every encounter is filled with appreciation, your network of contacts and
friends will flourish. When your network flourishes, your dreams flourish.
5. Network with Attention

Give whatever you are doing

and whoever you are with
the gift of attention.
Jim Rohn,
Author and Philosopher

N etworking is about

attention. It is getting it and giving

it so you can help yourself and others grow. Giving our attention to someone
makes them feel both valuable and important and causes them to want to return the
favor. Like gardens, your dreams must be attended. In order to attend to something,
the first requirement is showing up – emotionally and physically. Great
Networkers must not only show up to help make their dreams come true, they must
commit to consistency. We must pay attention to our dreams the way we would to
a garden. We must tend it, till it, water it, weed it, harvest it and celebrate its fruit.
Paying attention will be the best investment any networker makes in the name of
effectiveness. You appreciate what you pay for. Pay a fair price, and you will
receive great rewards. Paying attention to the women you network with, what they
do well, as well as their challenges will create an opportunity to provide them with
inspiration, encouragement and opportunities that will aid them in reaching new
levels of competence. And when you aid someone in making their dreams come
true, they want to help you accomplish your dreams as well.
6. Network with Optimism

The optimist
sees the scar over the wound:
the pessimist
still sees the wound
underneath the scar.
Ernst Schroder

A sk yourself, “Am I

usually optimistic and confident?” The answer needs to be “Yes!” Optimism is

an important element in making your dreams come true. Great networkers not
only believe in themselves, they believe in, and have faith in, the other
professional women they meet.
Partners in great working relationships work together toward their goals, hopes
and dreams, and overcome forces that attempt to impede their success,
together. That is what women’s networking is all about.

A great networker is an ultimate optimist. They believe that in every

networking situation is an opportunity for something wonderful. The glass is
always half full in great networking relationships, and just waiting to be filled
to over flowing with opportunities, acts of kindness, and potential connections.
Great networkers have great attitudes. They believe that there is an abundance
of business for everyone. They believe in themselves, in other people, and in
the possibility of turning their dreams into reality. Great networkers network
with great optimism.
7. Network with Empathy

If there is any one secret to

success,
it lies in the ability
to get the other person’s point of view
and see things from his angle
as well as yours.
Henry Ford
American Industrialist

A great relationship

depends on emotional and relational intelligence. Great networkers know the

value of getting to know and understand themselves, as well as others. People
are complex and confusing. Therefore, great networking relationships require
respect, empathy and compassion. Empathy, put simply, is the ability to see the
world from another’s perspective—to be able to relate to how it might feel to
be in their shoes—to listen through their ears, and see the world through their
lenses. Empathy asks that we not only understand the meaning of the golden
rule, “Do unto others as you would have them do unto you,” but that we
understand the platinum rule as well, “Do unto others as they would prefer to
be done unto.”
Stephen Covey tells us in his best-selling book 7 Habits of Highly Successful
People to “Seek first to understand, then to be understood.” Great networkers
network with Empathy.
8. Network with Intelligence

Intelligence is imperative to success.

Intellectual intelligence
causes us to strive, seek and learn.
Emotional intelligence
causes us to understand and
appreciate ourselves and others,
but Relational intelligence
causes us to give until we end up
receiving more than we ever imagined.
Dawn L. Billings, Author
CEO & Founder, The Heart Link Network

G reat networkers are intelligent. They are not simply intellectually

intelligent; they are emotionally intelligent as well. John Mayer and Peter Salovey
who coined the term emotional intelligence define it as “the ability to monitor
one’s own and other’s feeling and emotions, to discriminate among them and to
use this information to guide one’s thinking and action.” Relational intelligence is
defined as “keen abilities to relate to and communicate with in order to create
bonded relationships.” However intelligence is defined, it is clear that emotional
and relational intelligence are vital components in the intelligence quotient of great
networkers. Relationally intelligent people are able to monitor their feelings,
reflect upon them and then, use the information to guide their responses and
interactions with others. Net-workers with a lack of emotional and relational
intelligence can abuse their opportunities, and in the process, end up hurting their
business when they network, much more than they help it.
9. Network with Joy

Don’t forget to dance,

and when you do,
dance with a heart filled with joy!
Dawn L. Billings,
CEO & Founder
of The Heart Link Network

G reat networking, and great dreams are

built on the joy they bring us—the joy of
meeting new people, the joy of conversation,
the joy of building your business, the joy of
treasure hunting, the joy of connecting and
building lasting and profitable relationships.
That is why I created The Heart Link Network women’s networking. I wanted
women to attend a networking gathering and feel joy about living their dreams and
helping other women live theirs. People want to feel special and believe that they
are a part of something that makes a difference. When we are invested in a
business endeavor that makes us feel good about ourselves and what we are doing
for others, it gives our life meaning. Through meaning comes purpose. A life lived
with purpose is a happier, more fulfilled life. When your are not living your
dreams, ask yourself, how much joy do I feel when I am sharing what I do with
other people? If you don’t feel joy, search for the things that brings you joy, then
— Get Up, Get Dancing and Get Determined to Make your dreams come true,
while helping others do the same.
10. Network with Accountability

Try not.
Do, or do not.
There is no try.
Yoda,
Star Wars character

S uccess depends on your

willingness to raise you hand high and say yes to your dreams. It also requires
that you commit to self-responsibility and be 100% accountable for your
actions and choices. Accountability is a critical part of emotional intelligence,
and impacts the vitality and longevity of all relationships in very dramatic
ways. Being self-responsible and accountable enhances every area of a
relationship. Great networking relationships strengthen and fortify you and
your dream, and they require that each person is willing to be accountable and
responsible for their emotions, actions, reactions, choices and behaviors, as
well as results. Accountability is one of the most important tools in tending the
network relationship garden. Using our garden metaphor, self-responsibility is
like the hoe, responsible for removing the weeds that can choke all that is
beautiful and growing in the garden. Learning to be self-responsible can be the
difference between having a relationship that is unproductive and decaying,
and one that is flourishing. Network with accountability.
11. Network with Excellence

Risk more than others think is safe.

Care more than others think is wise.
Dream more
than others think is practical.
Expect more
than others think is possible.
West Point cadet maxim

G reat dreamers understand

that there is a difference between perfection and excellence. No one is perfect. No

dream is perfect. Perfection is impossible. All things grow, and change as we
understand them better. However, great effectiveness is maintained and nurtured
by people who are committed to excellence. These are people who are willing to
do “a little bit more”, and go the extra mile. Excellence means that you are willing
to be the best you can be. While are willing to admit the fact you are not perfect,
you are committed to continuously improve your abilities to communicate, willing
to share, eager to produce and committed to continually growing personally and
professionally. Anyone can choose to become an excellent networker who
develops and strengthens new relationships to help them accomplish the dreams in
their hearts. No one, no matter the effort, can be perfect. But you can take the time
to become an excellent communicator, and someone who has honed their ability to
share what they do and love in a powerful, effective, concise and moving way. All
you need is an ardent desire, consistent commitment and action. Before long, you,
too, will be reaping the benefits of your determination and effort.
12. Network with Insight

No man
is capable of self-improvement
if he sees no other model
but himself.
Conrado I. Generoso
Author

G reat dreams as well as,

great relationships depend on our willingness to understand what motivates and

drives our protective and defensive behaviors. This is called gaining insight.
Insight implies ‘looking within’ to understand underlying motivations. What is
the real message behind the words you spoke? What is the meaning behind your
actions? Are you aware of times when you might do or say things that are
inconsistent with the direction of your dream? Clarity strengthens
communication. Communication is one of the most necessary skills we need to
develop to achieve success. We must look to understand and to be understood.
Open dialogue is key to uncovering what motivates individuals. When women
choose to work together, plan together and grow together, they are seeking truth
with one another. What an exciting adventure life becomes when players play
beyond the superficial. That is exactly what The Heart Link Network was
designed to do, open hearts to what is real and important, as we learn to help
one another live the dreams in our hearts.
13. Network with Focus

Only when your consciousness

is totally focused on the moment you are in
can you receive
whatever gift, lesson, or delight
that moment has to offer.
Barbara De Angelis
American expert on relationships

G reat dreamers understand the power

of focus. They know what they want, and set

a definite course to get it. Great dreamers
understand the power of goal setting, putting
goals in writing and establishing deadlines, while they strive, and are committed
to achieving their own success. Great networkers also focus on helping others
achieve their goals. Great networkers realize that networking is not just
socializing (although interaction brings with it many wonderful rewards),
networking requires the focus of a surgeon concentrated on his or her effort. It
demands that you know where you are headed, and why. As well as how you
might help others get where they want to go.

With laser focus, networking can burn through the obstacles on your path to
success, but always remember to focus your efforts with heart. When you focus
on what you want, others can catch your vision and help you get there faster.
Great networkers network with laser focus and the heart to go with it.
14. Network with Enthusiasm

It’s faith in something

and enthusiasm for something
that makes life worth living.
Oliver Wendell Holmes

E nthusiasm is contagious.

Catch it. Then spread it everywhere

you go. When you feed your dreams
and efforts with a wonderful dose of
enthusiasm, you are sure to tackle your life and the dreams in your heart with great
vigor. No one likes to be around someone who drains all of their energy. Fill
yourself up before you leave your house so that you have plenty to share when you
reach your destination. I designed The Heart Link Network on the female endocrine
system so that it would help to raise women’s serotonin levels. When our serotonin
levels are raised we feel happier, healthier, more hopeful and more capable. How
wonderful it is to have a place to go and be filled with energy and enthusiasm when
you are feeling low. And how wonderful it is to have a place to go when you have
enthusiasm to spare and share.

When you share enthusiasm, it builds and grows in your own heart so in sharing it,
you always end up with more than you had when you began. What a wonderful
thing to realize that, like love, no matter how much enthusiasm you share, you will
always be blessed with more than you give away. That is what The Heart Link
Network women’s networking is all about.
15. Network with HEART

In the arithmetic of love,

one plus one equals
everything,
and two minus one equals
nothing.
Mignon McLauglin, Author

G reat networkers, as

well as dreamers, live life with

a giving heart. Feeling fulfilled
in their work and life, they are
eager to give of their time, their resources and share their talents. Is there anything
more rewarding than knowing what you have to offer can bring someone else a
glimmer of hope, a fresh idea, or confidence? Seasoned networkers can lend their
support by providing information, introducing people they know to people they
need to meet and people they meet to people they need to know. Great networkers
listen. Dale Carnegie said it best. “You can make more friends in 3 months by
really listening to others than you can in 3 years by getting others to listen to you.”
It’s interesting to note that the word “heart” has within it the word “hear.” Great
networkers focus on bringing not only their heart to where they are but their
listening skills as well. Great networkers network with a heart that can hear, and
then act to help dreams come true, both for themselves and others. Enjoy
networking as you use this powerful tool to make your dreams a reality.
Blessings Dawn Billings, CEO and Founder of The Heart Link Women’s Network
Dawn L Billings, MA, LPC
In 2008 Dawn was selected as one of the nation’s 80 emerging women leaders out of over
3200 applicants, by Oprah Magazine and The White House Project, as well as, chosen as
one of 15 “Women of Achievement” by the Cobb County, Georgia, YWCA for her
socially dynamic programs and dedication to women and children.
Dawn is the CEO, Founder of The Heart Link Network®,
www.TheHeartLinkNetwork.com an innovative women’s
networking organization, which has over 145 locations in the US,
Canada and Australia. Dawn is dedicated to linking women to
wonderful resources, new ideas, products and services and
especially the hearts of one another. Dawn is also the creator of
www.WomenLiftingtheWorld.com short, “just a Dawn minute”
inspirational videos to uplift, encourage and inspire the hearts of
all who experience them, and the www.Heart-Notes.com Garden where you can plant a
virtual flower and send it with a brief heart-note to someone to say thank-you, I’m
thinking of you, You can do it, Don’t ever give up, etc.
Dawn is also the creator of The Heart Alliance, an online women’s networking
community that connects women around the world, and the GOD CAN, an inspiring and
uplifting experience for women who feel stressed, confused, angry or anxious. It is
lovely. Click the link GOD CAN and experience it today.
But Dawn’s favorite accomplishment is the creation of the beloved CAPABLES™
Learning System, www.GetCapables.com a plush parenting toy/tool touted by parenting
experts, to revolutionize parenting around the world.
Dawn is President of DawnBillings.com, a training and executive coaching company,
where she is a consultant to Executives and Organizations focusing on teamwork,
communication skills, improving productivity and retaining top talent using her highly
acclaimed Primary Colors Personality Test™ that was administered to over 60,000 people
in 2008, of which she is the author.
Dawn is the creator of the online business directories called www.TROVAnow.com There
is a small business directory www.TrovaBusinessDirectory.com and a women owned
business directory www.TrovaWomenBusiness.com Every business gets a FREE listing.

Dawn is is the author of over 20 books including Greatness and Children: Learn the
Rules, Entitled to Fail, Endowed to Succeed: America’s Journey Back to Greatness,
Choose to Be Great Workbook and her classic fable, The Perfect Heart, but Dawn is most
proud of the fact that both of her sons Tony, 30 and Corbin 21, are awarding winning
contributors to their communities and to the world.