Sometimes assumptions are dangerous. When made, they reveal short sightedness, and an inability to be open to new ideas. However, assumptions can also be useful tools to that allow us to show empathy, and tread forward successfully in a world that is fluid and full of surprises.

If we make the right assumptions as we tread in our networking playgrounds, we will accept the surprises more easily and navigate through uncertainty with a little bit more confidence.

I've surrounded myself with many smart people who use networking as part of their business growth strategy. Along with a few assumptions of my own, I've asked my Facebook community to give me their best "safe" assumptions when they network and am proud to share them here.

Seven Safe Assumptions From The Networker's Tour Guide Facebook Community

1. "I assume the people with whom I network are trying to grow their business or...reach a goal. It is more likely I will receive a referral if I can find a way to help them reach their goals." Jason Pound | Keller Williams Realty

2. "I assume that you give what you get when it comes to networking. If you only give your sales pitch and don't interact personally, you will only get surface level connections." Sara Golding | Sunny Girl Business Solutions

3. "Assume that..networking exposes you to a wider audience, and expands your reach." Amy Thurman | Motivational Speaker and Author of Polish the Mirror

4. "A referral is always one of the best compliments, however it's not guaranteed business. Context from my actual morning: Contractor- I assume if you referred me it's a guaranteed job. Me- I can't force the client to use my referral!" Hailey Donaldson | Onyx Group Black Label Realty

1. I always assume that everyone is a little nervous. Even after attending lots of different events over the last couple of years I still get nervous walking into a new room of people." Holly Peppler | Strategic Benefit Partners

2. "It's safe to assume everyone was a little uncomfortable with networking at some point! Networking takes practice over time. The more you do it, the more comfortable and natural it becomes. But even then, sometimes we have off days where networking feels uncomfortable, and that's okay." Linda Wesley | StoryPath Communications

3. "My mindset and attitude contributes to the energy I bring into the room and it affects the interactions I have. Intentionally being positive, open, smiling, and genuinely interested in people and how you can support them is impactful. The negative side is true as well-tired, overwhelmed, complaining, self-absorbed is not the energy you want to spread. Mindset matters!" Ginger Howe | Neora

Three More Safe Assumptions from the Author

1. Assume that hesitancy is a death trap when a person asks you who you are with or the name of your business. If you aren't sure what the name of your business is, why should others take you seriously? A clear, confident answer is always the right one when you are asked to give your business name or your profession. When you answer, the first words should never be um, well, ya, or a filler phrase of any kind.

2. Assume if your business card has incorrect information, your prospect will likely give up trying to contact you. Also, if only one phone number is listed on your card, the person you hand it to will assume that the number is a cell.

3. Assume that if you slight someone in a networking setting, even if unintentionally, that person will remember the slight for a long time. Knowing this, it's vital you are careful when you are around others. Also, be prepared to apologize quickly when you mess up. A quick apology, void of excuses or defensiveness goes a long way to smooth the ruffled feathers. The more people you interact with, the more likely you may accidentally hurt someone's feelings. Don't let this bring you down, understand it and be quick to apologize, and careful when you network.

Go network my friend, and remember;

When you make safe assumptions, you'll be more in tune with habits that build rapport with others and lead to meaningful relationships.

Faithann Basore and her husband Dave have owned Window Cleaning Plus (WCP) for 10 years. Growing WCP through networking has given Faithann the desire to guide other small business owners through the networking terrain so they can feel comfortable and build long lasting relationships in their business.

Got networking questions? Email me at [email protected].