I hear many people talk about the importance of networking. It often sounds like a tedious “thing” they need to undertake in order to create professional success. A very dear colleague of mine has taught me so much about networking – Kim McGuinness from Network Central – and I want to share what i have learned to dispel this drudgery and compulsion to do stuff.
Networking is about engaging with people because you want to and you value their thoughts, ideas and feelings. You want to nurture an authentic relationship with them and engage in real conversations. And at it’s extreme I like to think of it as opportunities to “pay it forward” – share value with others because you can and because you want to – and not with the expectation of receiving something in return. Do that and you risk being seen as manipulative!
So networking is organic and free flowing and about connecting with people not about collecting business cards to put into your data base of contacts! You can spot those people a mile off- they are the ones who shake your hand, exchange cards very quickly and very soon their eyes begin to dart around the room to seek out their next “victim”. I don’t know about you but I do not bother with keeping the cards of these people – they showed little interest in me as a person and I do not feel the desire to “connect.”
When you connect in the real way I am proposing then there is no need for regular monthly connection – there is a depth of connection which means people remain connected even though there is not regular contact. Interesting and curious – make the connection real and the trust is high, judgment is low and conversations inspiring.
