Why You Should Love Networking

I love networking. 

JUST KIDDING. No one does, really - amirite? 

But you can - and should - learn to love it. And here’s why.

Networking, according to academic research, is a critical management skill that leads to:

• Access to opportunities, particularly hidden or created opportunities
• Increased pay, lack of networking is often cited as a reason for the wage gap for women
• Leadership consideration, since it is considered a management skill, networking opens up opportunities in the upper ranks and is also cited as an explanation for the gender promotion gap
• Competitive advantage, being more “connected” gives you a leg up when it comes to new roles, sales opportunities, funding, speaking opportunities, etc. 

In fact, an MIT study showed that the most successful founders who received the most funding had larger networks compared to less successful founders. And don't worry, networking is a learned skill (even though some people are born networkers).  

But networking is also one of those nebulous words like “leadership” and “innovation” that lose meaning after you hear it a few times so what is networking anyway?

Research defines networking as:

• Developing and maintaining relationships with others
• Engaging in professional activities/associations
• Participating in community activities
• Increasing internal visibility, seeking high visibility/stretch assignments
• Socializing

Interestingly, there are not significant differences between men and women in the above list EXCEPT when it comes to socializing. Men tend to do more and better socializing compared to women. C'mon, ladies - we can do this! 

Also, networking is not restricted to specific situations and people can network at any time and place, which makes every opportunity a networking opportunity.

With the goal being to network more naturally and organically so that it doesn’t feel forced or inauthentic or restricted for certain events at certain times. A good practice is to chat up people when the stakes are low such as at the coffee shop or the PTA meeting so that when the stakes are high, you‘ve got some practice under your belt.

No one is ever good at something the first time they do it so you've got to network a few times to really do it well. So get comfortable being a tad uncomfortable and realize that the person you are talking to is probably grateful that you engaged them. And remember that if you are in business, networking is a skill you must hone.

Remember, as the old saying goes, “it’s not what you know, it’s who you know”.