The Power of Networking
Building and maintaining your network is an absolute must today; it could very well mean the difference between landing the job, getting the deal signed with a new client or finding the right house to live in. The trouble for me is that “networking” is such an enormous concept, it implies many things and could easily be something that you work 4 hours a day. . . . and I don’t want that.
Like everything else networking can be broken down into a repeatable process with steps:
- Determine your starting point
- Build on existing relationships
- Develop new relationships
- Maintain your network
Determining your starting point is easy. We all know other people, these people form your existing network and represent your starting point today. List them out in a notebook, on your computer, your phone, whatever! Your existing may need to be strengthened, you have to build on existing relationships. This takes time and the best approach is to do it in small pieces, one person at a time.
With your existing network strengthened it is time to build on it, here is where you need to reach out to new people. This is where the possibilities are endless. You can:
- join a business networking group
- attend a church social
- participate in a local chamber of commerce meeting
- connect with someone new on LinkedIn
- join a civic organization
- go to a party
- etc, etc, etc
If you approach events and meeting new people from the perspective of growing your network you’ll come back to the process. The networking process is very simple and is completely aligned with the organic process of relationship development.
The key to networking is building relationships and like any other relationship this implies a two way street. This isn’t an exercise in “me, me, me” rather it is about nurturing relationships so that both parties benefit. To do this you need to be prepared to invest some time. Establishing rapport with someone and creating a good relationship are two different things. It is easy to establish rapport quickly but the relationship takes time.
Its not just the extroverted, high energy, super caffeinated crowd that is good at networking. Anyone can do it. Recognizing the personality type you have will allow you to create your own networking strategy. If your not so comfortable starting a discussion by talking about yourself then don’t. Take the pressure off yourself and ask the other person questions about them. You can focus on that person learn about them and they understand you are interested and can respond.
A note about the Internet now. Sites like Facebook and LinkedIn are fantastic ways to strengthen and build your network but the same rules apply. Even though the Internet is “facilitating” this relationship it is still a two way street. For me sites like this are good but the real relationship building comes when talk with someone face to face. Challenge yourself to get out and meet new people and if you can’t do it in person then try the phone. I usually use social media to connect with people I already know and if I do meeting them “online” then you better believe my goal is catch up with them in person.
I want to come back to the time component of networking. Keeping the network strong means maintaining and this is something you need to include your normal operations. Take 10 minutes a day or 30 mins a week to network. You probably don’t need much more than that.
Exercise – Add one person to your network this week and have fun doing it! Find one new person who shares a similar interest with you. Send them an email or call them on the phone today and see if you can meet in person. Now your network has grown by one!
Here are a few words about the author. Phil is a husband, a father of four boys, an avid cyclist and a proud lifestyle investor! Live your life, control your time, and don't let anyone tell you it is not possible.