When you hear the word “networking,” what do you think? Are you excited by the prospect of it, or does the idea of it make you want to curl up in the fetal position and hide?
I wholeheartedly believe that networking is a critical life skill. So, to bridge the gap of feelings on the networking scale, I am offering you a series on networking.
My hope is that if you’re a novice, you’ll learn strategies that make networking feel easier (or maybe less scary!) If you’re a seasoned networker, my hope is that you walk away with a new networking nugget.
If you are someone who doesn’t see the point in networking, I hope I can shift your perspective. 😊
I often hear people say, “I don’t need to network, I’m not looking for a job.” I can’t judge. That used to be me.
Until I was out of a job and didn’t have a network to lean on.
Today I know the value of having social capital extends far beyond the need to look for a job.
People will also often say to me, “I’m not good at networking.”
I beg to differ.
Here are four key concepts to know about networking.
1. Networking is building relationships.
I’m going to go out on a limb and suggest you do this in your personal life all day long.
When it comes to networking for business – job search or otherwise – you’re simply applying your existing relationship-building skills in a different context.
2. We live in a relationship economy.
Work (and life) gets done with and through other people. Case in point:
- Need to arrange soccer practice pick-up with another parent? Networking.
- Asking people to support a cause you’re fundraising for? Networking.
- Spreading the word that you have a litter of puppies available for adoption? Networking.
- Finding colleagues to cover for your vacation? Networking.
- Talking to friends of friends to help in your job search? Networking.
The more you network, the more connected you are (Queen Of The Obvious over here…)
3. Being a connected leader gives you a strategic advantage.
Being a connected leader will increase your confidence, competence, visibility, productivity, engagement, and influence.
4. In a relationship economy, connections are your currency.
The common thread in all of this is about harnessing the power of relationships. Relationships that provide you with access to information, people, and resources.
Brian Uzzi and Shannon Dunlap wrote a great article for the Harvard Business Review entitled How to Build Your Network. In it they say “What separates successful leaders from the rest of the pack? Networking; creating a tissue of personal contacts to provide the support, feedback and resources needed to get things done.”
Mic drop.
So, to recap:
- Networking is building relationships
- You already know how to network based on your ability to build relationships
- Being a connected leader (or having social capital) can increase your confidence, competence, visibility, productivity, engagement, and influence
- We live in a relationship economy where connections are your currency
To support your networking activities, here is a resource for you: The 20-Minute Networking Meeting. This is a quick read written for the job seeker, and it also contains helpful strategies to consider even if you are not on the job hunt.
