Hate Networking?

Does the very word ‘networking’ make you cringe and want to curl up and stay in bed? I think mostly the problem lies in the word ‘networking’ itself.  It makes meeting people sound strategic, forced and frankly a chore.  Whereas actually when we meet people, it’s generally enjoyable and life-enhancing.  As well as possibly beneficial in the long term to your career.  Making connections with people is a positive step.  Read on for my thoughts on how to do it without cringing. 

Bringing people into your life can be hugely helpful to your career and personal development.  People are a rich source of support, ideas and opportunities.  And the wider the range of people you make connections with, the more chance you have of finding someone who might be able to help you in some way.  And of course, it’s not just about finding people helpful to your career – having people in your life is a blessing in its own right. Here are my tips for networking:

 Don’t think of it as networking.  Call it ‘meeting people’ or ‘making connections’. This makes the whole idea seem much more enjoyable and less scary. As it is!

 Choose environments that suit you.  You don’t necessarily have to attend networking events. Just having conversations around the edges of your work or other engagements, or keeping in touch with old colleagues is a great way to build your connections.  If you hate crowded places, don’t go – save your social energy for places where you feel more comfortable and are more likely to make a good first impression. 

 Find something you have in common. When you meet someone new, finding a shared interest, value or even person you both know is the fastest way to build rapport.  And straight away there’s a topic of conversation you can bond over and get excited about, and a foundation to build a relationship you both want to carry forward.

 Be helpful.  Taking an interest in the other person and suggesting a way you might be able to help them is another great way to create a connection.  This could be sharing information on something they are interested in or putting them in touch with someone you know who might be able to help them for example. The other person is going to feel that you’re invested in their success so they’re automatically going to be well disposed towards you and will also start to think about ways they can be helpful to you. 

 Follow up. You can’t build a meaningful relationship in just one conversation.  Swap details with the person or follow them on social media and then get in touch with them again soon. This can be when you send them something useful (see above), and when appropriate you can look to meet up again in person. 

If you’re looking to practise your networking skills in a safe, fun environment, why not suggest your organisation’s next all-staff away day is on the theme of career development and I can run an event on networking and other aspects of personal development. Get in touch to discuss the events I can offer your organisation or team.