Networking Rules

This holiday's I have the opportunity to watch the behavior of some of my family and friend members, so I can develop the following rules that may help you to keep up with your friends or at least leave a very good impression of you:

1. If someone let you his car, always leave the gas tank full. In this vacations I lend my car to some of my family members, and each time I went on it an drive the tank always looked at its full capacity. This is a fine way to say thank you and leave a good impression that may allow you that you get again the car for another occasion.

2.- Don't smoke when someone else is visibly altered by the situation. I came from a smoking family, and for them every place is a good spot to do it, for their particular point of view. A non smoker isn't disturbing, but a smoker usually does. What to do? use the open spaces or limit yourself to spaces where the smoke can be contained. When my sister Gabriela get sick, our Dad agreed to smoke outside exclusive to avoid disturbing her more, we all thank him for the gesture, and because we all know how hard it is for him.

3.- When someone invites you a meal or a coffee, give the follow up within a week. It is harder for a woman to do that in our Latin culture, but you will always find a way to give back the attention. 

4.- If you ask for help to your friends at some house chore, give them food in compensation. This year Javier, my friend, invited us to help him with his wedding materials. What I most recall on that event is that he prepared some food for every one and make us feel in our own house.

5.- Return the money owed as soon as possible, it doesn't matter how small the amount is. This will leave clean your image and also you will have a clean credit history. At work, we probably cover our teammates at lunch time. The best way to keep a friendship came with the moment you pay back your debts.

6.- If you spend the night at a friends house, do the bed or fold the sheets before you leave. This will help your friend to avoid having an extra house work, for sure you will have another invitation, because you showed up that you cooperate with the house chores. 

7.- When somebody cook for you, offer yourself to clean the kitchen. Also the past year Ofelia and Tania went to my house to make a cake. Ofelia baked and Tania do de dishes, I want them back to make some cookies. 

8.- If you miss a call, send a text message as soon as possible, if you aren't allowed to make the call back. This way you will show your friend how important he is for you. 

Do you have some additional recommendations to improve your networking? Share with us.