Networking is essential to business success yet it tends to be a low priority for many professionals. In my earlier blog, Increase Your Net Worth, Network, I discuss the business case for networking. I can’t stress this enough; establish your network NOW when you don’t need it so it’s there when you do need it. People want to help someone they know and trust not someone who only reaches out when they need or want something. Think of networking as a bank account. You have to make deposits before you can make withdrawals. Help others and establish yourself as a resource for them, these are your deposits. This enables you to make withdrawals when you need to.
A few simple steps can help you vastly improve your network. Networking doesn’t have to be formal, every interaction is an opportunity. Identify some things you can do immediately to cultivate your network. Below are some ideas to help you get started:
- Speak to a new person in the hall, elevator, break room, cafeteria, or wherever you come in contact with co-workers. Remember, every interaction is an opportunity for networking!
Invite someone you normally only see in meetings, whom you don’t know well personally, to coffee. That personal connection goes a long way when you are in the midst of solving a tough problem with one another. - Schedule lunch with someone to get to know them better in a more informal setting. Let’s face it; everyone has to eat so this is an easy way to carve out time for networking. And put this on your calendar and establish a rhythm at least once a week.
- Target more formal avenues for networking such as professional associations or volunteer opportunities. Ask a colleague about the associations they are active in and explore the benefits of joining. Identify your passion and find a corresponding volunteer opportunity where you can help others. You’ll feel good while expanding your network. If you have kids, get involved in school activities, donate your time to the girl and/or boy scouts or volunteer as a coach for their favorite sport. Parents can be a resource for one another, both personally and professionally.
- Renew connections and keep them alive through social media. And initiate new connections with people who have similar interests as you through LinkedIn.
Strategies for Making the MO$T out of your Networking
Now that you’re ready to expand your network, use this four-point checklist to make the most out of your networking:
Establish your purpose – what do I want to get out of this interaction? Is there an opportunity to leverage another’s expertise or gain a different perspective? Perhaps you have a need to fill an open position and want to reach out beyond your own contacts. Or you need help navigating a complex matrix organizational structure. Whatever it is, ensure you think through the purpose for your meeting.
Do your homework – find out more about the other individual and their interests and mention something you have in common when you meet with them. This helps the conversation flow more easily and establishes a connection early on.
Make it about the other person – ask how you can help them or explore areas where you can be a resource. It’s a great way to establish the reciprocal nature of the relationship from the onset and that it’s not just about what you need.
Express genuine interest – be curious and ask questions. Practice active listening and remain open and curious to what the other person has to say. Being engaged demonstrates you are truly interested in helping them.
Start today and target at least one step you can take to make the MO$T out of your networking!
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.