Networking is one of those human endeavors that could be considered essential. Making those meaningful connections go a long way to enhancing our personal and professional lives. 

Sometimes, though, it can be a case of “easier said than done”.

From figuring out which associations are helpful to risking rejection, let’s face it, for some people, networking can be stressful.

And hearing statements like “your network is your net worth” only adds to the pressure.

 The good news is, that there is a way to network intentionally and effectively.

 Now, as important as networking is, there are a few downsides.

1.  It could prove to be a long-term activity, and so the results are not immediately apparent.
2.  The nature of the relationships could change over time.
3.  There is always that risk that we won’t achieve the goal of why we sought to establish the relationship in the first place.

Therefore, if you’re going to gain from networking, whether it’s reaching out to someone on social media or in person, or joining a professional group, here are a few things to keep in focus: 

Value Alignment: there must be some common ground that attracts you to the individual or group. 

Think win-win: the relationship must be mutually beneficial. You must give as good as you get and even be prepared to go above and beyond.

Time Investment: maintaining the network will make demands on your time. The less time you give to it, the less value you get from the connection.

Money Investment: while this is not always the case, meeting certain people or maintaining certain relationships might involve a financial investment. For example, attending a paid event to meet a person you have identified as a valuable connection or joining a professional association where you are required to pay annual dues.

To make the best of any networking opportunity, you should do the following:

Define your purpose. If meeting that person or being in that group would benefit you personally or professionally, then it's worth the effort to get noticed. If you tend to freeze in a crowd, try focusing on individuals. You don’t have to connect with everyone. Select a few whose values or comments resonate with you and build relationships with them.

Find your niche. Locate your area of value and be consistent in speaking out or in being involved in activities relating to that area. This could be where your knowledge is strongest or where you have a skill that meets a need of the individual or group. In essence, be known for something.

Voice your opinion, even when it looks like none is taking notice. For instance, if you were a member of a large group, it is very easy for your comment to get lost in the crowd. The key is to keep talking. You will gain their attention.

Be ready to Serve. Contribute your time and labor to causes that matter to your connections and you’ll find that an acquaintance would soon become an advocate. Not only is it an opportunity for you to practice or reinforce your skills, but it also puts your competencies on display. Recommending you for a job or business opportunity becomes much easier.

 Keep it lean. Joining multiple groups because they are popular, exclusive, or available, may end up stretching you way too thin. Keeping up with all the activities divides your attention and either leaves you less effective in the groups in question or takes up so much of your time that you become resentful. Noone can be at their best in such states, so be selective and clutter-free.

 

***For more career tips and lessons, told in fun and quirky stories, visit my blog at toyintalkstalent.wordpress.com.