Estimated reading time: 4 minutes, 22 seconds.
TODAY’S IDEA: Networking for non-networkers
– From Work It: Secrets for Success from the Boldest Women in Business by Carrie Kerpen
Why does networking evoke such dread? Probably because we picture ourselves in a room full of strangers, eating chicken satay from a stick, and talking about the weather to pass time. Yes, that scenario is absolutely dreadful.
But it doesn’t have to be.
Carrie Kerpen in her book Work It says, “There are different ways to network. Ditch the perception that it’s clunky or awkward and do it in a way that works for you.”
Further, Carrie shares some networking tips from “non-networkers” who have been successful at growing their network in a meaningful and beneficial way for all involved. What these non-networkers have in common is that they were all intentional in terms of the groups that they wanted to belong to or the contacts they wanted to target. However, this involves a disciplined approach: “don’t view networking as a nice-to-have,” but as an indispensable part of your professional career.
“Networking shouldn’t be something you do when you have extra time. It’s something that you have to prioritize.”
If you wait to start building a network when you need one, it’s too late, because relationships take time to nurture and grow. Plan now and plant the seeds for tomorrow.
While online and social media networking are wonderful tools, nothing substitutes for in-person networking when you can. The book mentions a research study on firefighters by Cornell University that showed “that firemen who eat meals together are better at their jobs. It turns out, eating together allowed for more conversation, which led to stronger connections, which led to greater team performance.”
A suggestion then, is to take your networking offline with those connections that you can nurture in person. If time is an issue (as it is for all of us), “dedicate two hours—just two hours in your week—to connecting with people offline. Have coffee, have a chat, go back to the watercooler. You’ll be amazed how much more connected your network actually becomes—your relationships will be stronger, as will your communication skills.”
One last thing that Carrie mentions—which is brilliant—is to invite people at a high level to connect with you (on the basis that they are someone whom you admire and respect, needless to say). Nowadays all your professional crushes have public profiles and are accessible somehow. “When reaching out to someone at a very high level, you want to establish a sincere personal connection and accept that it may or may not work out. By expecting nothing in return, you avoid disappointment and often end up being pleasantly surprised.”
On this last one, I can vouch for its effectiveness and for the most pleasant surprises it brings. Years ago I wanted to attend a conference with a steep high price that I couldn’t afford. I reached out to the organizer, asked if I could volunteer in exchange for a ticket, and not only did I get the ticket and enjoyed the conference, but also by virtue of volunteering I became friends with the conference organizer and his wonderful team, and they invited me back for the following year’s conference. Another time, I learned that one of my favorite thought leaders was going to be speaking at an event. I reached out to him, told him that I was going to attend the event and offered to drive him to the airport afterwards. He agreed. We had a wonderful conversation in the car on the way to the airport, and I became friends with someone whom I deeply admire and respect to this date.
If I could do it, you can too! Networking is best done in a way that fits you and in an environment where you can bring value to your new contacts. That way it becomes a win-win and forges real bonds.
ACTION
TODAY: Think of a goal you want to achieve. Make a list of the people and groups that can help you achieve it. Think of ways you can become involved. Think of ways in which you can offer help. Think of ways you can create value for them. Make an honest assessment of the time that you can devote to this endeavor. Once you’ve thought this through, then reach out to them. Remember that you’ll get out of it as much as you put into it, so be intentional with your time and your involvement, and make it worth your and their while.
BONUS ACTION FOR TODAY: Connect with me via email, LinkedIn, Facebook or Twitter! I would really love to connect with you, or simply touch base and catch up if we are already connected. I like to think of myself as a resource and would love to provide book recommendations (of course!), or ideas and resources to help you reach your goals. Really looking forward! 🙂
FUTURE: Repeat today’s action for the rest of your goals. Budget your time according to what’s most important to you, making time for both online and offline networking. Schedule the time for networking activities in your calendar and honor those activities.
P.S. – Another tip for great networking is to share valuable content that you think might be of interest to someone. How about sharing this post with friends and colleagues? You can do so via email, Facebook or Twitter. Thank you!