Embrace the Power of Networking

Networking can sometimes get a bad rap for being self-serving or self-promotional. I would argue the opposite is true. When I think about networking, I think about the power in sharing ideas and having open and honest conversations with other people. I think about building up a group of like-minded individuals who can advise, guide and help you (and others in your network) when it’s needed most. Networking should be symbiotic—two people working together to help each other.

Ask any business leader and they will tell you that building a strong professional network is vital to their ongoing development and success. When you think about the best way to network and engage others in helping you reach an objective, these three words deserve a closer look:

• Process. Networking typically doesn’t happen casually, but requires deliberate thought, planning and activity.
• Engaging. You are looking to connect and engage with another person in the hopes that they will provide value, whether it be through information, guidance, other contacts, or perhaps a recommendation.
• Objective. You need to be clear about your purpose for networking—it is not merely to collect people’s contact information, but to further your ongoing development, whether that’s career driven or a passion project.

Building a diverse network requires both time and planning. The process of networking involves three basic phases: prospect identification and management, making contact and follow-up. Here are five ways that can help you become a more seasoned networking leader. 

1) Network anytime, anywhere. Too often, networking is seen as a last resort, done only when looking for (or forced to look for) a new job. In fact, networking alone is responsible for filling as many as 85% of all jobs. (Source: FinancesOnline). Job seekers have more success finding employment through networking, especially considering that 70-80% of all jobs aren’t even advertised. This means that people may be missing out on some great employment opportunities. I encourage you to think ahead and focus on building a strong network now. By spending time connecting with people in real life and continuing online through tools such as LinkedIn, you can help to keep conversations flowing. You never know who you’re going to meet or how they may be able to help you, so approach networking with open arms. Growing your network whenever and wherever you are meeting people with whom you genuinely connect is the way to go.

2) Network by reframing your thoughts. To maximize your networking efforts, it’s helpful to step back and reframe your thoughts. Instead of thinking about what someone can do for you, think about how you can help others. One way to do this is by simply reworking your LinkedIn posts to be more thought-provoking and include a clear call to action. Alternatively, if you need help, don’t be afraid to ask for it directly. It’s rare to come across someone who is not willing to lend a helping hand.

3) Network with a purpose. Before you attend an event, or walk up to someone to start a conversation, make sure that you have a plan in mind. What do you want to get out of the conversation? What can you bring to the table? You’re likely not just looking to add to your contacts, but actually build a lasting relationship. Building a strong network involves following up and engaging in a two-way conversation. One tip I’ve found useful is following up with someone I meet at an industry event and sending a personalized note via Linkedin. LinkedIn is an incredibly useful tool that not only helps manage and extend your network but affords multiple touchpoints to keep advancing the conversation. 

4) Network Several Ways. I believe networking internally is just as important as networking externally. Building your own brand inside is just as important as it is externally and building up cross-functional relationships both inside your own group as well as across other groups in your company is an important element of networking. This includes both networking with peers and up and down the organizational chart and truly focusing on being connected with coworkers. According to Gallup’s State of the Global Workplace Report, 65% of US employees say that communications by their employer impacts job satisfaction. Networking internally can help build strong connections, and help employees understand the business better and in the long term increase overall job satisfaction. 

5) Network in a way that works for YOU! There are many ways to network, and some might work better than others depending on your personality and overall expectations. Consider attending specific live versus online events, for example. Interestingly, 40% of people say they network more online than in-person. (Source: Fit Small Business). If that sounds like you, focus on building meaningful online engagement. On the flip side, you may find that attending in-person events is more fruitful. Of course, some events are more focused on networking than others, so it’s a good idea to keep track of which ones are worth your time in the future.

Not all relationships are equal, and it’s never too early or late to begin building your network. Just remember that the most important thing you can do is commit to building, planning it out and doing it. I find it helpful to allocate time each week specifically for networking activities. This will be time well spent and can help you improve your strategic development and become a more well-connected leader. 

What other things have you found useful in building your network? Drop me a line and let me know.