Networking is for Everyone

Networking is not just attending happy hours and luncheons.  Networking is building a solid foundation upon which to grow a career, launch a search or manage a transition.  Networking should be done on a consistent basis and need not always be formal.  There are a few things to keep in mind about networking. 

When at a networking event or industry function it is not possible to meet everyone in the room.  The object of attendance is to gain insight, learn something new, or widen your circle of acquaintance.  Don’t be tempted to shove your business card at everyone you come across.  Instead engage in meaningful conversation with a few people.  Really zero in on who you are speaking with and plan a strategy to follow up. 

As you meet people at networking events, it is common to enter these relationships with expectations, Expectations that you will gain new insights, be picked for an important project or be introduced to a new opportunity.  No matter how well you hit off in the moment, not all of your networking contacts will be willing or able to help you.

Sometimes there is a temptation to limit our networking efforts to meeting people who can help us.  Rather than concentrating on what others can do for us, networking relationships should be developed without expectations.  Being genuine and open with people will make them comfortable introducing you to people they know.  And they maybe acquainted with someone exceedingly valuable to you. 

It is vital to remember that networking is not what happens at the venue we are attending.  Building a network means forging relationships that grow and develop after the event is over.  Make a call to the person that you found interesting.  Be sure to share your expertise or offer assistance to your new contact.

Building your network with care and deliberation will definitely bring results.  Try it.

When looking for a position or to grow a career the advice that people get often centers on networking.  And it sounds like good advice.  Meet new people in your field, get introduced to decision makers and land a new position.  People diligently try to put that advice into practice.  They go to industry and networking events looking to meet those connections.  They keep their ears open and engage in countless conversations hoping to make an impression on someone. 

Weeks or even months go by, sometimes without much to show for it.  Maybe a stack of new business cards and some new connections on LinkedIn.  But in the search for a position not much further along.  Why is that? 

It is because networking is in fact an act of giving and not receiving, and most networkers view it as the opposite.  The majority of people are at networking events looking to get rather than to receive. 

Turning this thinking around opens us to so many more possibilities.  From now on try this:  Tell yourself that you are going to help someone at the next event that you attend.  Listen to what people are saying, think about how you can help, and make offering that assistance your impetus for follow up.

Call a new contact with follow up information, or an offer to connect him/her to someone in your existing network.  Instead of looking to increase your contacts, seek to share your contacts with someone else. 

By sharing with and advising others your network expands in a solid and sustainable way.  You make a lasting, tangible impression on the new people in your universe.  Those new people and others will be motivated to share with you.  Try it.