If you have read a lot of networking books or websites, you have been told over and over to “create wins for your partners.”  “Be other-centric.”  I’ve had conversations where people have described their business goals in the same manner: to make other people successful.  The theory is that people will remember and reward you with their undying loyalty.  Hmm.
     I’m going to tell you a secret: Take care of yourself.  Remember the pre-flight instructions?  Put on your own oxygen mask first!
     The best things I’ve done in business have been things I’ve done for myself.  I started a networking event for LinkedIn users in my area because I wanted to meet more people and be known as the person who was responsible for it all.  I started going to networking events because I wanted to meet people who could be customers and business partners.  Me, me, me!
     Donald Trump said, “It’s okay to have an ego.”  Well, that source may be a little biased, but you need to make sure your needs are met before you can spend time on other people’s issues.  Your success doesn’t depend on your altruism but on the steps to take to ensure that you are well-fed and well-positioned to help others when possible.

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