I get asked all the time about tips | methods | secrets of networking. Truthfully, it’s simple. Always be connecting. Sounds too simple to be true? Let’s break it down.
In the recent economic downturn, it’s been interesting to spot predatory networkers. You know….the people who you’ve met once or twice, perhaps at an association or community event, but don’t keep in close contact with. One day, you get a LinkedIn connection invite from them? What’s changed? Oh, not much….other than they probably just lost their job.
There are two types of people. People who treat networking like an event. And others to whom it is a lifestyle.
Group A. Much like folks who go to church regularly…..on Christmas and Easter. And those who love to work on their fitness…..for the first eleven days of each calendar year. Or how about those with a healthy sex life……especially and only on their anniversary and spouse’s birthday.
My peeps in Group A think nothing of reaching out, making new contacts, keeping in touch with colleagues and branching out to new connections any time outside of when it would be absolutely necessary. Which for many is only when they are considering or needing a job change.
What Group A types fail to embrace is that networking is a relationship. An exchange. A give-and-take. It’s a habit, that when done repeatedly (that’s the definition of habit, after all), can become fabulously enjoyable, even for the non-woo’s among us. And, just like the power of compounding interest that we discussed last week, the habit of networking pays dividends.
Group B inhabitants view networking as a lifestyle. It probably wasn’t always easy. But, they established and refined the practice of making connections, and comfortably keeping in touch. Their weekly calendar shows phone conversations with out of state colleagues and coffee and lunch dates with local peers and acquaintances. And, their outbox (and hopefully their mailbox) are frequented by emails and handwritten note cards to mentors, protégés, friends, and associates. My Bs are busy Bs. Massively networked and highly engaged in the dialogue.
I love networking, but there’s still always an edge of uneasiness. The challenge of pushing past your comfort zone to meet new people, wondering if you’ll hit it off or struggle to connect. But, the thrill of learning new things about people, their roles | hobbies | personalities | experiences | organizations, and your industry and this world we share is the reward for your effort.
Soon, the process of extending your hand, making introductions, refining a method for keeping in touch…..it all becomes a part of your DNA. Your brand.
Just like I can’t show up on race day for a half marathon without having put in the training, don’t think it’s reasonable that you invest no time or energy into networking until you need a job. In both situations, you’ll probably somehow manage, but one way will always be more effective. The alternative is painful, awkward, and just flat out ugly!
P.S. I’m not telling you to not send me a LinkedIn invite. I dig LinkedIn. I am on it every day. Please feel free to scroll down to the bottom of this page and click on the little LinkedIn icon to hit me up with a LinkedIn connection invite. I’ll click accept. We can chat. It will be fun. Let’s be LinkedIn BFFs.
