If you knew you could open the door to new and exciting opportunities, increase your influence and get noticed by those in the executive suite wouldn’t you do whatever it takes to realize these benefits? Networking is that secret sauce that will help you accomplish all of these things and increase your net worth!
If networking is so important, why don’t we do it? Because it’s ingrained in all of us not to talk to strangers. My parents taught me this and we teach our children to have an innate suspicion of strangers. Not to mention feelings of awkwardness when speaking with people we barely know. Furthermore striking up a conversation with a stranger causes underlying anxiety. And there’s a tendency to feel disingenuous. My clients say it feels inauthentic and “salesy”, not something they are comfortable doing. Given all of these factors it’s no wonder we don’t prioritize networking!
Networking Misconceptions
In addition, there are some misconceptions surrounding networking. It’s only for job hunters, right? If you’re not in the job market why network? Not true, but more about this in a moment. But, one of the biggest misconceptions is thinking people are too busy, especially executives, to want to talk with or meet with you. Speaking from personal experience, as a former Vice President, I had several mentees and welcomed the opportunity to help someone who showed the initiative to advance their career. I always made the time to meet with these resourceful individuals.
Because it strikes fear in us all, our career is going well and it’s just simply time consuming we put networking on the backburner. We begin thinking about networking when we need something, such as a new job. It’s important to note, people want to help someone they know and trust, not someone that wants something from them. That’s why it’s so important to begin networking now when you don’t need it to ensure your network is in place for when you do need it.
The Networking Payoff
The business case for networking is clear-cut …
1. Positions YOU as a resource. People frequently come to me and say “I don’t know if you do this but I knew you would know someone who does”. Savvy networkers are held in high regard, people trust your counsel. Think about a time where you didn’t know how to solve a critical problem but you knew who to go to for help. As you climb the corporate ladder your net worth increases not by how much you know personally but rather who you know personally. It’s impossible to know everything and that’s why it’s imperative to be able tap experts, those that can help you solve a difficult problem in a pinch.
2. Creates a “buzz” about you! While you may not like it, people talk about you so it’s vital to create that buzz through networking. This enables you to stand out and remain top of mind. An established network of champions helps you leverage your strengths and position your brand in areas where you can add the greatest value. This ensures people are talking about how valuable you are to the organization. Now that’s influence!
3. Visibility plays an important role especially as it relates to career advancement. This helps position you for the future. I have numerous clients who are tapped on the shoulder for a new and exciting opportunity. It’s because they have visibility! But what about that “hidden” job? What I mean by this is that opening in your company, that role you would love to have. But wait; there is already someone on the radar screen who is considered the perfect fit and you were passed over for this key role. Without champions who can help position you, you may never get the opportunity for that dream job.
The payoff is unmistakable; leveraging your network increases your net worth! Early on in my career I partnered up with someone in the Finance department, an area that’s not my strong suit so I could leverage their expertise. In return, I provided my finance counterpart with the much needed marketing support he needed. You see he frequently struggled with how to effectively sell an idea to upper management. This was a win for us both. We helped one another doing what we do best. That’s the power of networking. Don’t take things for granted, identify three people, in your company, where you can provide your much needed expertise or where you can leverage theirs and increase your net worth today!
Sage Alliance, a Leadership Performance Company, provides coaching, teambuilding and assessments, workshops and speaking on topics including; leadership development, empowering teams, communications, lasting impressions, personal branding and building a coaching culture for executives and high-potentials – for both team and individual leaders.
Contact us today to discover how your organization can get the most through improved productivity, efficiency and direct impact to your bottom line, while leaders gain powerful insight, crystallize opportunities for growth and fine tune their strengths, enabling them to make the greatest impact. You can contact Shelley Hammell directly at shammell@thesagealliance.com.
