Networking...Why Do It?
Last night I went to a networking meeting here in Phoenix. There was time set aside for networking so everyone in the room knew why they were there. In addition to the set aside time, there was a 1 hour presentation regarding yearly awards for the society. There are many, many types of networking. There are scheduled meetings like this one, informal groups of like minded people, casual gatherings at a friend's house or park, dinners with family/friends, office settings, coffee shops, etc. There are so many ways to network, many times it doesn't really feel like networking; but it is.
When I use the work "network" many people get nervous as to the pressure they feel to introduce themselves to total strangers. That is a form of networking. That is not the ONLY form of networking. If you are comfortable with that type then great. If you are not, don't sweat it. So why do it?
One of the main reasons to network is to get to know more people. Simple. Networking is all about you connecting with the other person. It is not about pushing yourself on someone. Isn't it so much easier to get to know someone if you are face to face with them. It may be more nerve racking but it is much more effective.
Let me give you a basic foundation for networking when you are nervous. Don't talk about yourself unless asked. Be ready with a couple of good questions to ask someone else. Keep the focus on them. Eventually the conversation will come back to you. If it doesn't, there is a good chance that person would not have ever helped you. They might have been too caught up in their own stuff to reach out. Networking is about helping each other not what you can get for yourself.
Network for people first and connections second. This rule will get you through the "squirmish" feelings you may have of networking.
Let's Get Started!
Jeff
When I use the work "network" many people get nervous as to the pressure they feel to introduce themselves to total strangers. That is a form of networking. That is not the ONLY form of networking. If you are comfortable with that type then great. If you are not, don't sweat it. So why do it?
One of the main reasons to network is to get to know more people. Simple. Networking is all about you connecting with the other person. It is not about pushing yourself on someone. Isn't it so much easier to get to know someone if you are face to face with them. It may be more nerve racking but it is much more effective.
Let me give you a basic foundation for networking when you are nervous. Don't talk about yourself unless asked. Be ready with a couple of good questions to ask someone else. Keep the focus on them. Eventually the conversation will come back to you. If it doesn't, there is a good chance that person would not have ever helped you. They might have been too caught up in their own stuff to reach out. Networking is about helping each other not what you can get for yourself.
Network for people first and connections second. This rule will get you through the "squirmish" feelings you may have of networking.
Let's Get Started!
Jeff
posted by Jeff at
11:28 AM
0 Comments:
Post a Comment
<< Home