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Networking Made Easy

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Networking can be intimidating and frustrating when one does not know how to network. Introvert professionals are more likely to be affected than extrovert people. If this description fits you, don’t worry, there is help. You don’t have to totally give up on social encounters. The purpose of this article is to give you simple networking techniques you can use to help your career.

We will look at what networking is, how it can benefit you, what you can offer your network in your follow ups and how to stay organized.

But first, let’s look at what is a network is. A network is a systematic and deliberate process of building and maintaining relationships that are mutually beneficial. I stress the words mutually beneficial here because networking is not manipulative. The Golden Rule for networking is to always be sincerely and genuinely interested in the other person. Failing to do that, it will be really difficult for you to build relationships.

Exercise: Make a list of your current network and classify them into personal and business networks. Put your network to the test: Think of a major challenge that you face in the upcoming year. Can you current network assist you in facing this challenge? If the answer is no, what action steps can you take to strengthen your network?

Moreover, the quality of your network is not measured by the number of people you know. Rather, it is measured by the depth of the relationships. The best time to build relationships is before you need anything.

Don’t limit your network to people inside your organization. All encounters are opportunities to develop network. You don’t have to wait for that seminar. For example, when a person joins your department or building, invite that person for coffee. Briefly introduce yourself and ask them about their job responsibilities and background (most people love to talk about themselves). You never know when you will have to reach out to that acquaintance. Offer your assistance if the person is new to the area or the company.

Now, let’s look at some of the benefits of networking:

  • Have access to more information and resources (and sometimes even before the rest of the company does).
  • Have access to social and emotional support that enhances well-being.
  • People with a solid network are perceived as more powerful.
  • Better able to influence people.
  • Better able to get ideas implemented.
  • More likely to hear about job opportunities before they get published
  • Network can serve as referrals. The perception of competence depends a great deal on who thinks you are competent.

Network can serve as mentors. I want to go back to this last point. Throughout my career, I met some of the most powerful people in the company through my mentors. Don’t hesitate to ask them to introduce you to such and such people in the organization. Yes, it is easier said than done when you are an introvert. But it is worth making the effort considering the payoff of building strong and influential network. If you are introvert like me, one way I cope with shyness is I learned to pretend. Set yourself a goal to act outgoing for a short period of time. Start small and slowly increase the amount of time you act outgoing. You will soon find out that networking will come easier and easier with practice.

Then, what should you offer your network?

The best way to keep your network alive is through continuous follow-up. You can do so, for example, by sending them a newspaper article with a little note that says: Thought this might interest you. Select your article based on the company that your contacts work at, their industries, their interests. They will really appreciate this personal touch.In addition, every now and then, just pick up the phone or send them an email to let them know you will call. The purpose of the call is to touch-base with them. Going to lunch is also an option. Being as busy as we all are, we still need to eat. Meeting over lunch has two benefits:

  • It does not take time away from our work schedule.
  • It is easier to arrange a lunch meeting than trying to squeeze another meeting into the already packed calendar.
  • Remember: You have much better chances at strengthening relationships when you have something to offer, rather than something to ask.

Finally, keep a file of all your contacts will help you stay organized. File all your professional and personal contacts in one single location, with easy access to it. In the file, you should include information such as: name, address, phone number, email address (business and/or personal), current company, previous work experience, interests, interesting facts about them. Make sure to also write down the circumstances under which you met. When you follow-up with them, you can use this line as an ice-breaker. “Mr. Jones, it was a great pleasure to being introduce to you by your very good friend Mike.” If you are like me and have a short memory (i.e. you forget the person’s name as soon as he leaves your side), it is advisable to write in the back on his business card a few words regarding how you met and other facts about this individual. Later that day or the next day, transfer the information into your contact log.

As a conclusion, I would say that relationships building is at the key for success for any successful professionals. Regardless of what industry you work in, network effectively and you will improve your visibility and your chances for promotion.

Visit my blog http://fulfilling-career.com/MyBlog for more career tips and advice.

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This entry was posted on Wednesday, August 27th, 2008 at 6:42 am and is filed under , , , , , . You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.

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