Why You Need Networking Nous
I read recently that building your professional network should be approached in the same way as growing a bonsai tree – you need to prune and tune it over time. Networking isn’t collecting ‘friends’ on facebook, or seeing how many followers you can get on Twitter – both have their merits, but true networking is about building relationships, not numbers. Here are some tips to help you demonstrate your networking nous and fine-tune your most valuable asset…
Givers Gain
Getting your name ‘out there’ is all well and good, but if you want to create a truly effective network you need to get to know the people in your circle of influence, and that means having conversations, meeting face-to-face, being willing to give more than you receive, and investing time and effort in building a relationship, rather than a transaction.
There are some very simple and cheap ways to tune and prune your network effectively: -
1. Hit Forward
Every time you come across a good article or interesting website forward it on to someone in your network who you think would benefit. This thoughtful approach costs nothing, and shows your contact that you’re thinking of them.
2. Drink
Life’s busy and time flies – we all have the same ‘problem’. But it’s the people who make time to catch up with their contacts, to grab coffee or sit down for a quick lunch that create the opportunity to build long-lasting and rewarding relationships. We all have the same amount of time in the day, it’s how you choose to use is that makes the big difference.
3. Play
Just because you’re building your professional network doesn’t mean that all you should talk about is work, work, work. As the saying goes “all work and no play makes Jack a dull boy”. Make the effort to find out what the people in your network like doing outside of work – have a proper conversation and learn about their families, their hobbies, where they go on holiday and what personal goals they have. It’s this sort of information that helps build stellar relationships.
4. Appreciate
I got an email last week from one of my LinkedIn contacts who wrote “Thanks to you I have been connected with some great people. Thank You”. Such a short, concise and yet powerful message that left me with a nice warm, fuzzy feeling. It would have taken about 60 seconds to write that email, but the impact on me has lasted far longer. My contacts name is stamped clearly in my mind, and if there’s anything I can do to help him I will – all because of a little ol’ email. Send someone a message today to say ‘Thank You’, pop a card in the post to say ‘You’re Great’, or better still, pick up the phone and say a few words – your effort will be much appreciated and long remembered.
5. Help
Too many people are focused on what they want out of a networking relationship, rather than what they can give Don’t fall foul of this fundamental flaw! As it’s the season of goodwill make the effort to ask someone you know if they need any help. They might say no, and that’s fine, at least you asked, but if they say ‘yes’ be ready and willing to do what you can for them and don’t expect anything in return – simply believe in good karma!
Put these steps into place now and start enjoying more rewarding relationships. Remember – your network is your net worth so be willing to invest time and energy into the people who matter.
Written by Faye Hollands, Career Coach and Time Management Specialist at Outshine Consulting. Faye specialises in working ambitious professionals who want to create a career they love, get more done in less time, and be personally and professionally successful.
Click the following link to receive FREE INSTANT ACCESS to a LIVE recording of Faye’s recent teleseminar on “How To Create A Career you Love”. Click here now for immediate access: http://www.outshineconsulting.com.au/Download.html
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