Keystone Partners is now part of Careerminds — bringing global scale and expanded workforce intelligence solutions. View the Announcement
Keystone Partners is now part of Careerminds — bringing global scale and expanded workforce intelligence solutions. View the Announcement
“Networking” is a word that has the power to intimidate both introverts and extroverts alike. It can shake the confidence and composure of even the most confident and self-assured jobseeker or business professional. For many, the term “networking” creates the uncomfortable vision of wandering around at a business or social function trying to distribute business cards to as many people as possible knowing the majority of the cards will end up in tomorrow’s trash.
People hate the idea of networking because they fear it will make them appear pushy, disingenuous, or worse yet desperate. Tactless and inappropriate attempts to ask people whom we hardly know for a job, a business lead, or an unrealistic favor will have exactly that effect. But networking, when practiced effectively, is a critical skill that adds value and reward in both the professional and social aspects of our lives. It’s not just an essential business skill, but an equally essential life skill.
Networking is simply the act of proactively building and sustaining mutually beneficial relationships. Fundamentally it’s about connecting with people who are willing and receptive to being helpful, while at the same time extending yourself as a ready potential resource to them. From a business perspective, it can include introducing business contacts to each other, sharing market intelligence, and acting as a creative “connector” of people and ideas. For job seekers, it represents the single most effective and efficient way to navigate the job market. While the spirit of networking must be “win-win” (where both parties see a benefit), in actuality, the benefits are not always equal nor are they immediately apparent. You may offer assistance to people who are unable to help you, and other times people will help you even if you can’t return the favor. Sometimes the results come much later, but it always seems to even out in the long run.
Networking is often more productive through casual acquaintances (weak ties) than through close friends (strong ties) because these more distant relationships provide much more diversity of knowledge, background, and connections than those with whom you are already well associated. By definition you share a lot of commonality with friends, family, and colleagues so your networks are likely very similar. New acquaintances and casual connections, on the other hand, may be part of very different networks, and are likely to know different people and have different ideas. Your acquaintances, contacts and connections (i.e., your network) represent a source of social power. In theory, the broader and deeper your network, the more power it provides. With this in mind, invest time cultivating relationships with people who are currently on the periphery of your network rather than spending all your time with a tight inner circle.
A few years ago, Harvey MacKay wrote a book on networking entitled Dig Your Well Before You Get Thirsty. It’s a great title that paints a powerful word picture about the need to be proactive in developing and maintaining your professional and personal networks rather than ignoring them until you are in need. Your network is a valuable resource that can be leveraged in a powerful way if you have taken the time to nurture and develop these important connections. Networking is not a scavenger hunt for contacts, its exercise in building bridges and looking for ways to maintaining meaningful mutually beneficial relationships. If you haven’t been nurturing your network, start now so it’s there when you need it.
Start with people you know. Not only is it less daunting, it’s also more efficient to build on your existing network rather than starting from scratch. Make time to connect with colleagues, friends, or people you have worked with in the past. Make a commitment to stay connected and schedule time on a weekly basis for phone conversations, a cup of coffee or lunch to keep these connections alive. Look for opportunities to expand your network to include people you wouldn’t ordinarily come in contact with – perhaps from professions, cultures, or backgrounds different from your own. When choosing social or business organizations to join or events to attend, make the decision based on interest and commitment rather than defaulting to those that you think you should join but that generate little personal enthusiasm or interest. There is no such thing as the “right time” or the “right place” to meet the “right people.” You may meet them at your workplace, at your children’s activities, or at social events.
With practice, networking gets easier. As it gets easier, it will become more comfortable and enjoyable. As your comfort and confidence grows, so will your effectiveness. Put yourself out there and enjoy the exploration of connecting with interesting and interested people. As you do, look for reasons to stay in touch and seek opportunities to be an ongoing resource.
Networking is an essential part of business and personal life that opens doors, expands your world, and creates unbelievable opportunity. So put aside the fear, ignore the misperceptions, and give it a try.
