Network is a noun, not a verb
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At some stage in any career event you attend, the subject of “networking” invariably comes up. For some, that’s a comfortable conversation – but for others it just triggers a cold shiver down the spine.
But no matter which camp you’re in – there are a few things worth remembering. Firstly, ‘building a network’ is a career strategy, but it’s not the only one. And secondly, the act of “networking” doesn’t necessarily lead to a useful network of people who can (and will) help your career.
In fact, for many people, networking has become a parody – nothing more than attending events and conferences and exchanging business cards with as many people as you can meet. But is that really going to lead to the creation of a network of trusted relationships that will help you over the coming years?
Here are three ideas to help you get more than a collection of business cards from your networking.
A good relationship is mutually helpful – it’s a great investment of time for both parties, because it keeps you informed and provides a ready source of help. You might not like ‘networking’ – but are you willing to work on building relationships? Make sure you spend a percentage of every week in getting to know people, and extending a helping hand. And what’s more, make a point of keeping in touch. Research shows that more successful people regard their relationships as sufficiently important to invest quality time in them. Then, when they would like some help in finding their next career opportunity, there are plenty of people who are willing to listen to what is needed, and will who scour their brains to come up with possibilities.
But no matter which camp you’re in – there are a few things worth remembering. Firstly, ‘building a network’ is a career strategy, but it’s not the only one. And secondly, the act of “networking” doesn’t necessarily lead to a useful network of people who can (and will) help your career.
In fact, for many people, networking has become a parody – nothing more than attending events and conferences and exchanging business cards with as many people as you can meet. But is that really going to lead to the creation of a network of trusted relationships that will help you over the coming years?
Here are three ideas to help you get more than a collection of business cards from your networking.
- Examine your current network. Who is in your network at the moment? Who are the people that could have a positive impact on your career progression? How did you first connect with these people, and build a relationship? Was it by an act of random networking, or was it something else? See if you can identify your own personal way of networking – and then do more of it. Perhaps you make connections when you work on a small task with people – if so, start looking out for these tasks, and prioritise doing them. Perhaps you meet people on social occasions, or maybe you build relationships easily with the friends of your existing friends?
- There’s a difference between “knowing someone” and knowing someone. Being aware of a person is not enough to count them as an ally who could help you develop your career in the future – you need to build a relationship for that to happen. Networking is often superficial – for example, I would rarely recommend someone on the basis of a single 10-20 minute discussion because there’s a danger that my reputation would be damaged. I need to get to know them properly before I recommend them to my friends and colleagues. How could you deepen the casual relationships you have? What kind of help could you offer each person that they would value?
- Spend time building relationships instead of networking. It’s better to have a smaller group of people that you trust than to have hundreds of LinkedIn contacts that you can’t remember meeting. Investing your time in a smaller group of people to build stronger relationships will pay dividends in the future. Knowing them properly allows you to help them, and gives them the confidence to help you.
A good relationship is mutually helpful – it’s a great investment of time for both parties, because it keeps you informed and provides a ready source of help. You might not like ‘networking’ – but are you willing to work on building relationships? Make sure you spend a percentage of every week in getting to know people, and extending a helping hand. And what’s more, make a point of keeping in touch. Research shows that more successful people regard their relationships as sufficiently important to invest quality time in them. Then, when they would like some help in finding their next career opportunity, there are plenty of people who are willing to listen to what is needed, and will who scour their brains to come up with possibilities.