I cannot believe that Criterion Resources is at it’s sixth year from when I started the company in 2004. I am truly grateful and happy for the tremendous strides that we have been able to accomplish in the past few years. I really have to give a lot credit to our local Los Angeles community, especially the San Fernando Valley, which has been very supportive.
The main lesson that I have learned in these past few years is that NETWORKING does lead to success. During these current times of high-technology and “instant gratification”, I have observed that many people want to see results immediately. From the beginning, we have been involved with many different chamber of commerce organizations, networking groups, professional organizations and charity groups. My main objective was to “meet as many people as possible.” This comes quite easy to me since I like being meeting new people anyways. Therefore, forming new friendships and bonds is not work for me. It is a lot of fun!
Many people have asked me how I have obtained most of my client companies and candidates over the years. I can attribute most of our sales to NETWORKING. With networking, however, you must be VERY patient. The most crucial element is to form strong relationships where you establish trust. You also must add “value” first. We try to help and support other people’s growth as if we were growing along with them.
Thus, we get referrals quite often because people know us and know that we always try to look out for them.
I decided to invest in human capital and relationships first rather than expensive marketing materials. This strategy yielded a great ROI!
Whether you would like to start your own business or you are trying to find a job, you should “Always Be Networking.”