Networking: Part 1
Honestly, no matter what you want to accomplish, however big or small your dream, it’s going to take some interpersonal skills. No one is successful on their own – we need each other to achieve big things. We’ve all heard the African proverb “If you want to go fast, go alone; if you want to go far, go together”. And so we come to networking. There are many ways to network, all different and useful in their own right. Today I’ll share a few that have worked for me, and how you can use them too!
Let’s start with the elephant in the room. The word so many people hate:
Networking
Too often it’s associated with currying favor, sycophantic yes-men exchanging business cards over $15 cocktails at a “Young Professionals Happy Hour”, awkwardly chatting up someone at a job fair to see if they’ll offer you a position, or at least grant an interview. Fortunately for you, that is not what I’m taking about. Today we’ll reclaim the word “Networking” and reframe it as building relationships (that’s all networking really is!) that are mutually beneficial for both parties in work and in life.
Networking isn’t just for pre-planned times and designated events. It’s done every time you work with a new client, every time you meet a new face. You never know who could be your next collaborator, or your next boss! Many people get hired on the ‘warm intro’ – you’re recommended through a friend or former colleague. So much work in sales, freelance, and creative businesses happens this way. “Oh, you need such and such? I’ve got a guy who helped me with that…” And boom, you’re in.
Why Networking is Important
Without other humans collaborating with you, you can’t organize or build anything. As stated above, you’re not much alone. Starting a company, hiring the right people, finding others to join you in bringing your vision to life. There isn’t ONE way to do network, no systematic formula, but you’ll need people to help you to make your dreams reality. You’ll need references as you move forward into different positions throughout your career. People to speak to your reliability and work ethic -- does this person show up on time and do what they say? Without others to vouch for you, you’re unlikely to get far in sales or any career. So admit it already – we need each other!
Personal Experience and Benefits
There are many benefits I’ve gained from my professional relationships. I could hardly name them all here. My mentors have given me guidance, been advocates for me when looking for new positions. They’ve invaluably enriched my life. I’ve gone to weddings, been invited on trips, gotten invites to parties (for free in VEGAS!) When I have tough life questions, I have someone to go to who’s older and more experienced who knows what I’m going through.
Here’s what I want you to take away: Networking shouldn’t be about meeting and knowing the MOST people. Have your goal be to add value to other’s lives, not to receive whatever you can get from others. You are building contacts with similarly minded people, creating relationships that are beneficial to everyone.
Think of it like this: You’re creating an informal board of directors for your life. As you build and maintain relationships, you’ll find you’re networking naturally.
Next post we’ll cover a few more specifics and I’ll include some suggestions for how to get started!
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So, you meet someone at a happy hour, you’re killing it at small talk, making a real connection (great job networking by the way), talking about your job and what you do. Maybe you mention how you’re looking to make a change soon because you’re ready to move on from your current position.