Networking is like marmite, you tend to love it or hate it. Those that love it seem to be able to go into any environment and start a conversation, those who hate it stand at the entrance to a conference hall in trepidation.
Whether we like it or not networking is now part of our business/working life, it could be face to face or on social media, it’s here to stay. Many surveys show that networking accounts for up to 85% of job placements, and we all know there is a hidden job market, it is important to establish a network for your career. But networking is not just about finding the next job, it is also about sharing and finding useful information, talking to interesting people and most importantly building long standing relationships. So, if we take out the word ‘networking’ and replace it with having an ‘enjoyable conversation’ that might help.
Human nature dictates that most of us enjoy helping others, if you start a conversation with the intent of being interested in the person you are talking to and helping them perhaps offering advice or knowledge, your conversation may feel easier. This applies equally to those who enjoy networking and may appear over zealous in their need to find out the information they want, exchange details and move on to the next person, slow down and be interested in the person you are talking to. Expert networkers make you feel valued and interesting, it is a great skill.
When you think about it, we are always building relationships, asking for information or advice and sharing information, we just need to extend this to our business/working lives:
‘Do you know a good mechanic?’
‘Is there a good restaurant in the area?’
‘Can I show you around the office?’
The secret is to network in your own way, that could be going to conferences and meetings; having lots of one to one meetings or cups of coffee; and/or using social media to be part of an on-line conversation or write an article/blog. There isn’t a right or wrong, the more comfortable you are the more successful you will be.
If you are going to a conference find a participant list before you go and arrange to meet colleagues. There are six people dynamics you are likely to find when you walk into a conference situation:
- A closed pair – two people deep in conversation facing each other – not easy to join
- An open pair – two people in conversation standing at an angle – easier to join
- A closed trio – three people deep in conversation standing in an equal triangle – not easy to join
- An open trio – three people in conversation standing in an open triangle – easier to join
- A group – four or more people – easier to join, be prepared to introduce yourself quickly
- A single person – they may be alone because they want to be or maybe hoping someone talks to them–be brave and find out.
And remember you can always strike up a conversation in the coffee queue about the biscuits on offer!
If you use social media, make sure your accounts and profiles are up to date and represent you well. If someone sends you an invitation on LinkedIn or a similar platform make sure you reply to say thank you; and equally if you send an invitation, don’t just press the invite button, say hello and why you want to link up.
Building your networking relationships is not a quick win, the most productive relationships take time and effort to establish so start as soon as you can. Keep in touch with people, have a simple system to keep track of who you meet, send them useful information and put them in contact with people who they might find interesting.
Above all find a way of enjoying the conversations you want and might need to have.
Would you like to discuss this further and find out how C4C can support your future?
Contact us at emma.ford@coaching4careers.co.uk or linda.butler@coaching4careers.co.uk to explore your options.