Networking – this word can be intimidating to some people. What does networking really mean? How do you use networking to meet your goals?
Even for those that are more experienced at networking, you may not be clear on if your efforts are helping you to reach your goals.
The good news is that focusing on a few simple strategies can help anyone see results with their networking and enjoy it in the process!
First, let’s talk about what it really means to network…
Networking is simply the process of creating connection and building relationships. When worded this way, the idea of networking becomes more clear and less intimidating. This also takes more experienced networkers back to the basics and reminds them of what networking is all about in the first place.
Now, let’s look at 5 strategies to get results from your networking.
1. Identify Your Goal For Networking
Networking and connecting with other people can serve many goals. As you evaluate your network or look to build it out further, take time to reflect on what your goal(s) in networking are. Some common reasons to network include:
- During a job search
- To grow your business
- Build connections within your company for future opportunities
- Learn about a new industry
- When working on a volunteer project, or looking to serve on a committee or a board
What is your specific goal(s) in networking?
2. Customize Your Networking Strategy and Messaging
Once you are clear on your goal(s) for networking, you can customize your networking strategy. Choose networking activities that make sense for you based on your goals and your personality type. Refine your messaging. The more clear you can be in your messaging, the easier it will be for others to understand who you are and what you are seeking.
3. Focus on Building Relationships
I mentioned in the beginning that networking is about building relationships. Thinking of networking this way instead of in a transactional nature, such as collecting a lot of business cards, will serve you well. Focus on quality over quantity. If you have 50 people with whom you keep in touch with on a regular basis, that is better than having a stack of 500 business cards on your desk, where you do not keep in touch with those people, they may not remember who you are and you are not able to “call on” your network when you need them.
4. Add Value
Keep in mind that networking truly is about building a relationship, which is a two-way street. Try to add value for the other person where you can and offer to provide help. You may not know when you are reaching out how you can help the other person or add value for them, but the offer is always appreciated and you often may be making a connection for them sooner than you think.
Adding value does not have to be a huge gesture. Here are some simple ways to add value for one of your contacts:
- Send them an article that relates to a recent discussion you had.
- Invite them to join you at an upcoming event or conference you are attending that would be of interest to them as well.
- Offer to connect them to someone in your network that would be a good connection for them.
- Keep them in mind – you may not be able to do any of the above immediately, but genuinely keep them in mind if an opportunity presents itself weeks or months down the road.
- Ask! Ask how you can be of help to them, what they may be looking for help with or may be looking for in new connections.
5. Follow Up and Stay in Touch
Once you have started to build those relationships, two important aspects of networking are following up on any action items as a result of your networking and maintaining those relationships. Some questions to get you thinking about this include:
- If you offered to introduce the other person to someone, do you follow through?
- If they introduced you to someone, are you following up with the person that referred you to thank them?
- Do people in your network hear from you regularly?
- Would they remember you if you reached out to them?
- If someone in your network asks you for help with something or an introduction, how many other people in your network do you feel you could reach out to right away?
These strategies will give you a great start to understanding what networking is truly all about and how to take your networking to the next level to get results!
Not sure if your networking strategy is getting the results you want? Reach out and schedule a time to talk.