<p><strong>Why bother with networking?</strong><br /> <br /> While networking may have once been the domain of only sales and marketing folks, and was for a long time considered solely a schmoozy marketing and business development function, today, networking matters to just about everyone. Does networking mean you’re looking to use people to achieve selfish goals, or opportunistically ask people for help? No, of course not. And, to be clear, let’s start with the definition of the word network according to The Oxford Dictionary:<br /> <br /> <strong>nétwerk</strong> n. & v. a group of people who exchange information, contacts, and experience for professional or social purposes. <br /> <br /> Therefore, networking can be defined as one’s efforts to create this group, and of course it can be done honestly and considerately. In fact, almost all your networking can help other people as much as it can help you. In any industry or career level, networking helps you make connections in a personal way. It aids you in building relationships of support and respect and enables you to discover and create mutually beneficial connections. Early in their careers, folks in both of the disciplines mentioned earlier, learn that you never know where you might meet that next key contact, partner, client or even friend. It’s a mindset no serious professional can be without today.<br /> <br /> Another way to think about networking is as the deliberate process of making connections for mutual benefit. However, whether you network to make friends (new to town), find a new gig, obtain referrals, or simply to broaden your professional horizons, it is important to focus on networking as an exchange of information, contacts or experiences. Remember, instead of thinking “What can I get out of this?” also think, “What can I give to this?” whenever possible. And, following these three rules might also help:<br /> <strong><br /> Networking Rule #1: Be Memorable</strong><br /> <br /> How you introduce yourself will make an impact on the people you meet and will likely help determine whether or not they actually remember you and/or your company. Practice your introduction whenever you can. (Yes, you need to!) A favorite of an accountant I know goes something like this:<br /> <br /> “Hi! I’m Samantha White and I’m the chief money wrangler at Acme Enterprises.” People often then try to guess what she does (if she’s not at a CPA event), and they fairly often think she’s in investment banking or, these days, maybe someone working in HR trying to get back incorrectly distributed severance payments. (Ouch!) A little humor goes a long way in most industries, so a tongue-in-cheek opener like this will not only make you memorable, it will also help create conversation, which usually makes things more relaxed. <br /> <br /> And, yes, it’s always best to strive to develop a casual conversation first. A networking function is an ideal way to have people get to know you. In business, as well as in personal dealings, it is in everyone’s best interest to make an effort to try to create a relaxed and personal environment in which to introduce yourself or your company. Referencing your standard cocktail party or wedding guest small talk will help you come up with a few easy conversation starters. Try openers like, “So, Bob, how are you connected to the host(s)?” or, “What brought you to this particular event out of the many going on in town?” <br /> <br /> Believe it or not, another smart way to be memorable, as well as productive, is to wear something to the event in a bright color or that is unique, such as a shirt with a print or pattern. Most folks will have an easier time pointing you out to others during the event and then also remembering you when you follow-up with them after. My follow-up emails often include, “Hi Barry, I was the gal wearing the red scarf and jacket in that group of four we were part of Tuesday morning.”<br /> <br /> And, probably most importantly, get comfortable with small talk if you aren’t already. I say practice everywhere you can. This includes places like the grocery store, on an airplane, or in line at the post office. Think about setting a goal to speak to at least one stranger every day. You can choose to initiate, but even something as simple as “I’m fine, thanks, and how about you?” counts as a conversation starting response.<br /> <br /> <strong>Networking Rule #2: Always Have A Goal</strong><br /> <br /> You can also strive to make in-person networking less stressful, more productive, and enjoyable by setting goals around meeting specific people, practicing your intro, collecting certain information, and developing current or new business relationships as well as mutually supportive friendships. Having a mission or goal will help create focus, which usually helps relieve nervousness. Whatever you do, keep your expectations reasonable and don't let your valuable time and energy at in-person networking events be wasted. <br /> <br /> Let’s say you have the need for a referral into the hot new game development company in town and you know they are currently adding staff, and it’s for something perfectly suited for you, like a digital designer. As you mentally prepare for the event, be sure to set a goal for yourself that you’ll share your desire for an introduction into the company with at least two people. You can then encourage the folks you meet to give you a heads up should they learn that a) they either have a connection that can potentially help you or, b) if they soon meet someone that can. <br /> <br /> Also, remember, one of the advantages of in-person networking events is that once you tell one person you meet what you’re looking for, if you’ve made a good impression, they’ll likely suggest other people find you as they work their way around the event. (Here’s where that polka-dot top comes in.) Folks often do this when they hear someone new to them speak of something related to you or your recently shared goal. <br /> <br /> <strong>Networking Rule #3: Offer Help to Others First</strong><br /> <br /> While you’re clear on your goal, a lot of other folks coming to events have done the same prep work, so think about being the first to ask others what brought them to the event or what it is they need help with these days. We all usually have something that we could use an assist on, don’t we? Ask them “So, Bob, do you need help with anything in your world right now?” Or perhaps while you are listening to Bob’s intro or elevator pitch, a person you know pops into your mind that you realize could be a good resource for him to connect with regarding the best associations to join for electrical engineers (your brother-in-law maybe). Well, offer to connect Bob to them and simply consider it an easy “pay it forward” in the karma bank. Because, when you’re least expecting it, you’ll soon likely be the recipient of some good karma of your own.<br /> <br /> In closing..<br /> <br /> I believe that networking can be a fun and easy way to enrich your life, contribute to your community, broaden your horizons, and enhance your business or career. But, I also believe that it can be potentially devastating to your social capital and personal brand if you act rudely, insensitively, or don’t do what you say you are going to do. It is crucial to your success that you treat networking as an exchange of ideas, information and experiences. And, remember, in networking, reciprocity is key, so be generous in sharing your talents, knowledge, and ideas, and always be respectful of and demonstrate appreciation to those around you whether they appear to be able to help you out immediately or not. BTW, I have nine more rules to share, so please watch Biznik for more articles on this topic.<br /> <br /> Once you get even more comfortable with your networking, you’ll probably start chatting people up in line at the post office, in coffee shops, elevators, at parties, well, you name it. It’s all great practice and you just never know where your next meaningful connection will come from!</p>
2009-04-14T18:49:03Z
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3-rules-of-networking-for-2009
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2009-04-16T16:19:49Z
2009-04-16T15:21:07Z
The current VP of Networking for the Puget Sound American Marketing Association offers a few insights on what to do while you’re out there working hard to grow your "social capital" and maintain good standing within your social networks.
3 Rules of Networking for 2009
1
2009-04-16T15:21:07Z