Networking is one of the most vital aspects of the corporate world. Without mastering the art of networking, I wouldn’t have had the experiences I had as a senior executive for major firms.
However, as quintessential as the skill is, people often find it difficult or uncomfortable to put themselves in these situations.
What keeps us from networking can be largely viewed as limiting beliefs we hold.
People fear rejection. We don’t like when people don’t respond to our message, or simply pretend like we don’t exist.
Don’t give your fear too much power! The worst thing that can happen is they say “no”.
Networking can also have a negative connotation due to its transactional nature. However, being strategic with how you spend your time doesn’t make it less authentic. Networking is really no different from putting yourself strategically.
Facing new people and having conversations of depth may not seem like the right thing for us, but never sabotage yourself with self-labels like “introverted” or “not good at networking”. No one is born with the confidence and skills for networking; everyone starts somewhere.
If you believe you don’t have enough time, you must prioritize networking and free up time by improving your effectiveness. There are clear DO’s and DON’Ts when it comes to networking, just make sure you are on the right side.
You must also start thinking of networking as a part of your job. The more people you face and the larger you build your network, the greater the resources will be that can help you reach your goals and solve the problems in your life.
If you think networking is a waste of time, you should change your mind as soon as possible. Especially if you believe you need other people to succeed, networking is mandatory.
People struggling with networking often think it’s not a part of their job or that it’s a waste of time. However, strategic networking enables you to achieve your work goals, as well as help those around you succeed!
Here are my five steps to managing my network.
Step 1: Deepen Acquaintances
This means taking your connections that currently exist and giving them value. One simple example of this may be reaching out to a connection on Linkedin, and starting a conversation with someone in a position or role that you may be interested in. You can progress the relationship by including them in other projects or events that you’re involved in.
Step 2: Broaden close relationships
This step involves expanding the topics of conversation that you regularly have with the relationships you already have.
One time I used this was when I was in a group of people that I have ties with through our shared experience of parenthood, and we began talking about businesses and other ventures. This allowed me to expand some of my personal relationships into business relationships that would help me out in one way or another.
Step 3: Develop a tribe
Building 1:1 relationships is a great way to start, but the real power of networking comes from conversations in groups. Not only does it make it more efficient since you’re talking to multiple people at once, but bringing like-minded people together can help you grow and challenge each other. A prime example of this would be an alumni network, since you already share a common ground.
Step 4: Build social connections that bring joy
You never want to build relationships just for the sake of networking. They have to be meaningful to you and be enjoyable; there’s nothing worse than feeling like you have to keep up with someone even though it brings you no joy.
Step 5: Graduate from networking to hosting communities
The more you can host communities and bring your various networks to come and share their experience and opinion, the more value you will get out of networking. Examples of this could be hosting panels.
Here are my last few tips for networking:
Build your network before you need it. You never want to be the one reaching out last-minute asking for a favor.
Maintain long-term contact with your relationships. Regularly check-up with how they’re doing — no one wants to ask a favor one day out of nowhere.
Finding a mentor who wants to coach and support you is a tremendous help. They have already been through what you are/will be doing. Take advantage of their resources — their experience and network.
And last but not least, strive for deep meaningful conversations, instead of small talk. At the end of the day, you’re more likely to be remembered from your interesting and memorable conversations.