When Networking Doesn't Come Easy

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There are plenty of reasons people are bad at networking.  Some people think networking is only for people in business, and thus, never try to learn.  Others are shy or nervous or don’t realize the benefits of networking to their goals.

The truth is networking is for all people, whether you are a student, professional, stay-at-home parent, or home-business owner, and you don’t have to be a social butterfly or the life of the party to become a networker.  But first I must convince you that networking is essential for you.

So Why Network?

Because networking is how we get things we need, like:

• information – if you are a stay-at-home parent and want to know what’s happening at the school- better become friends with the PTA president.
• jobs – you get laid off – good thing you have a friend that works for a different company in the same industry
• help – you need someone to help pour new concrete on your driveway – luckily you helped the neighbors put up a fence last month

But in order to get what you need when you need it, you have to be sincere, meet lots of people, and be willing to give your time or talent to every person you meet.  When you need a network, it’s too late to start building it, so let’s get started! 

How To Start Building Your Network 

The good news is it doesn’t take any talent to start networking, aside from being able to carry a conversation and not annoy or offend people.  Networking is just a fancy word for meeting people, and then remembering the people you make a connection with. 

How To Meet People

Simple.  Go to events by yourself.  Networking events are best, but any social event will do.

Yes, you read correctly.  You might be questioning why I would send you to a networking event without any practice.  The thing is everyone at networking events is alone and practicing their networking skills as well.  The norm at a networking event is to go up to a random person and start a conversation.  You will feel pretty silly if you go to a networking event and stand by the hors d’oeuvre table.

Who Are You Trying To Network With?

To start, you want to try to meet everyone, but you want to be conscious of people you can help.  You don’t build a network by getting – you build it by giving.  Then, when you need something later, others are happy to return the favor.

Keep your talents in mind as you are networking, and always look for a way you can help the other person.  Can you introduce this person to someone who will hire him for a job?  Can you look after this person’s pets when she are on vacation?  How about help him study for a test in a subject he is struggling with?

A Great Networking Strategy

Ask a question.  The best networkers are people who ask lots of open-ended questions and genuinely listen.  This way, you are more likely to disseminate what a person’s needs are and how you can help her fulfill those needs.

Remember to return the favor – when someone asks you a question, try to answer it in two or three sentences so he has the opportunity to ask a follow-up.  It’s a simple formula that keeps the conversation going.

Using this strategy, networking can’t be scary.  Broken down, it’s asking questions, listening and asking more questions, and answering questions about yourself, a subject you are an expert in.  Many people think they must be charming, funny, or a great storyteller, but in the end, all they have to be is themselves.

The Crucial Step To Networking 

At a networking or social event, the goal is to meet lots of people in a short timeframe.  A good initial conversation should generally last between 5-7 minutes.  When time is up, try ending the conversation by exchanging business cards, phone numbers, facebook profiles, or whatever else is applicable in your situation.

Exchanging contact information is crucial.  You need it because you must make a point to talk to the people you connected with later via phone, e-mail, or a meeting.  Without the follow-up, the connection is forgotten, so continue to reach out to your contact after the initial meeting and strengthen the bond by helping that person.

How To Find Networking Events

Often offices and schools will have events dedicated specifically to networking.  If you belong to neither, try clubs and teams from your local church, gym, or neighborhood.  There are also plenty of social clubs if you live in a larger town.  One of my coworkers recently joined a French group which meets two or three times a month to converse.  These events might be dinners, wine tastings, or movie nights.  Consider your hobbies and you are likely to find a social group related to them.

What do you think of these networking tips?  Do you have a different strategy for building your network?  Please feel free to leave your thoughts below in the comments section.

Tagged as: Networking