Networking is important — make that VERY important. Many careers have been made and many have been derailed just based on a person’s ability (or inability) to network strategically. Strategic networking, of course, is the process of building a support system that consists of key individuals to create outcomes that are beneficial to all parties. To successfully network, particularly early in your career, there are a critical few things that must be done:
Networking’s Critical Few
- Your Attitude Determines Your Altitude — Even in Networking: It is very important to prepare with the right attitude. Being confident is important, but it is equally important to not be perceived as cocky or arrogant. Such a perception could ‘tank’ your networking experience. If you are like the majority of Americans, you may get nervous in unfamiliar groups, particularly if you are trying to impress ‘higher ups’. To help remain calm, come to the event with a few opening lines that you have practiced.
- Set A Target: Prior to attending the event, be sure to know what your target is. Do you want to network with five new people? Do you want to focus on select individuals (quality over quantity)? Are there some people that you may not want to network with for various reasons? If you come to an event with a target, you are more likely to remain focused in an effort to attain your goal.
- You Are Not An Island: This is simple. Do not stand in the corner during the networking opportunity. Your geographic location may have a great impact on your ability to engage others in conversation. Select a spot that has a good flow of traffic. It might also be good to select a location where more than one conversation may occur in case you need to ‘bail’ on one.
- Can You Hear Them Now?: Be sure to be an active listener. Do not just watch the other person’s lips move until it is your time to talk again. People tend to listen more to you if they believe you are listening more to them. Eye contact is key. Simple gestures like smiling or nodding also indicate that you are engaged.
- Follow Through Is As Important In Networking As It Is In Golf: Have you ever gone to an event and met a lot of great folks? You exchange cards or email addresses and promise to stay in touch? How often do you plan to contact someone, but never do? Put simply, following through (which is really following up) and contacting someone in the week or two following a networking opportunity can separate you from all the other people that person met. This is true for two reasons: 1) it causes the person to believe that the interaction had a positive effect on you and 2) it shows that you truly follow through on your promises (i.e., staying in touch).
Nothing can guarantee success in networking, however, these five items will greatly improve the likelihood of your success!
Let us Endeavor Toward Excellence together!
