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So which is it for you? Is networking something you look forward to doing or is it something you dread doing?
Perhaps the term "networking" has been overused, and some might even say overrated. Unfortunately, for many people it is considered a dreaded part of doing business. It brings to mind the idea of walking into a room full of strangers and having to strike up a conversation with a new person and not knowing what to say. In addition, it might be a reminder of a bad experience that has happened more than once at a networking event. Certainly, this would not entice much interest from very many people. Yet, networking continues to be a buzz word in business and in social circles, so there must be some value in it, right?
Years ago networking became a buzz word when it took root in corporations across America as a means for climbing the corporate ladder. It was said that by networking with the powers-that-be or with those close to the powers-that-be, you would increase your chances of advancing your position in the company. Hummm, some might say that was brown-nosing versus networking, but indeed there is a difference. So what is networking really all about then?
Networking is really the art of connecting with people. I refer to it as an art form because art, as defined by Webster's Dictionary, is a skill acquired by experience or study. Networking is just that: a skill of connecting with people that is acquired over time and with deliberate focus. Just like anything in life, the more you practice a skill, the better you will become. So rather than think of networking as something intimidating and from which you should shy away instead of embracing, think of it as simply making a connection with a new person. That new individual might be someone with whom you work, a parent whose children go to school with your children, a member of your church, a new neighbor, someone you meet at the grocery store, etc... The idea is pretty simple. The point is that you are connecting with people all of the time and expanding your contact base whether at a formal networking event or through a casual introduction. Your success in making lasting connections, hence effective networking, is based on your approach, your intentions and your follow up.
Your approach and intentions are extremely important because if you are not sincere, that insincerity will come across pretty quickly to your new acquaintance. Additionally, you will want to sharpen your listening skills to pay close attention to what your new acquaintance is saying. In a nutshell, when you network, you should make that interaction with that new person all about him or her and not about you. With a sincere approach to find out more about your new acquaintance's background, experiences and the like, you will learn a great deal. When you focus your attention on them, show genuine interest in them and think of ways you might be able to help them, you generally become someone with whom they would like to get to know better. When you follow up by taking action on something to which you committed, you also begin to build credibility with that person. The converse is true. When you meet a new person and begin to talk about yourself, your job, your this, your that, you become someone from whom they would like to get away...in a hurry! As logic would dictate, when you do not follow up with them about something to which you committed, you immediately begin to lose credibility.
As I write this article, I think of someone very close to me who wasn't even aware that he was a Master Networker but who taught me a great deal about networking. This person was my dad, Joseph Ochoa. Although he never really spoke about "networking", this is something he did all of his life, did it easily and enjoyed it immensely. When he passed away a few months ago, there were many, many people who told my siblings and me that my dad never met a stranger and that he always made them feel like the most important person when he was talking to them. From prominent business owners to civic leaders to mail carriers, my dad's connections ran high and wide and were long lasting. When he committed to following up with someone, he did so and that helped him build a strong reputation for the value of his word. He imparted to us his hobby of making connections with people in order that we could help serve others as well.
Over the last few months, I have had several opportunities to speak to different organizations about how to network effectively and how to make networking enjoyable. As a continuation of that presentation called "Networking Know-How and Networking No No's", I will be holding a free teleseminar in the next few weeks entitled "Is Your Net Working?" If you would like to participate in that conference call, please email me at coach@energizeyouroutlook.com, and in the subject line type in "Teleseminar - Is Your Net Working?". I will send you the specific date and time of the call, along with the telephone number and access code. If you have a question or challenge about networking that you would like for me to address during that call, please include that in your email.
Until the next issue, when you have the chance to make a new connection with someone, think of it as a great opportunity to expand your network and to make it a pleasant experience.
Wishing you much success,
Laura |
