What is ‘Networking’? In its simplest form, it is creating a relationship. Through the years I’ve learned a few lessons to make networking efforts, not only effective, but enjoyable for everyone involved.
Be friendly to everyone you meet : Obviously, social media is everywhere. You can’t go to a restaurant without seeing 50% of the people there on a data phone – at the same time. The main purpose of social media is to communicate with one another. Be nice while you are doing it. My wife is constantly telling our children, “if you don’t have anything nice to say, don’t say it at all!” I think that sums it up. You never know if the person you bash on Facebook might work at your next company. You can’t afford to not be friendly to everyone you meet. At the rate and frequency in which people communicate today, you never know who might become part of your network.
Communicate on a regular basis: Once you have an open dialog with your new relationships, the challenge is to keep the conversations going on a consistent basis. Let them know you are there. Even if it’s just saying “hello” or giving a quick update about what you’re up to, it’s enough. You can even say something like, “I saw this article and thought of you!” By doing this, someday when you are looking for someone to make an introduction for you, they will not feel as though it is completely out of left field – or worse, feel like they are being used.
Bring your personality into it: Sharing articles or other compelling information is usually helpful, but what people really like is to get to know you. The reason social media is so popular is because it gives people who haven’t had the opportunity to connect an informal way to reconnect with little time or effort involved. It also helps companies get to know their customers and employers get to know their candidates. To help develop the appropriate business relationship, don’t be afraid to show who you are. Whether you love a certain band, are addicted to your Saturday tee time in the summer or just went on vacation with your family, share it. No one wants to grab coffee or do business with a robot. By bringing your personality and interests into it, your personal bond strengthens into a better, longer lasting relationship.
Get more in-touch by being in-person: Social media and online interactions are incredibly convenient, but we cannot let them replace old-fashion relationship development practices. There is no email, tweet, direct message, or “Like” that beats the bonding made from a face-to-face get-together – or at least a phone conversation. The relationships developed while away from the computer are often the strongest.
I know what is going through your head, “There is not enough time to interact in-person with my large network.” But think about it, you eat lunch every day … make the most of the time you go a grab a bite to eat or enjoy a coffee break and invite someone to join you.
ABGN – Always Be Growing Your Network (A Glengarry Glen Ross inspired acronym): It is really easy to get complacent once your network is of a decent size. When I was last looking for a job, I made the goal to connect with 1,000 people on LinkedIn. Even though I am now employed, it does not mean I should stop trying to develop new relationships. The bottom line is you never know when you are going to need a helping hand from someone or be presented with the opportunity of a lifetime when you weren’t even actively looking. Do you have a personal networking strategy? We’d love to hear your best practices relating to relationship building.
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