The very first thing that tends to come to mind when the word networking pops up relates to mere transactions and deals. While those may be the goals at the end of networking, there is certainly something much deeper involved. Networking became one of my core focuses this year with the beginning of the MBA journey and I’ve learned a few things along the way.
Networking in itself is an art trying to navigate through the landscape. There is one thing on how networking works: it just does not work if it is transactional in nature. You need to approach it from the mindset of learning and exploration. If you enter into a networking situation wanting to get a job or hoping to meet a specific person, you’re sure to be disappointed. Just like in life and the markets, high expectations usually make for less satisfying results.
Since I’m one of those who quite regularly networks, I can vouch for the fact that I was never this comfortable with it. Socializing in professional settings isn’t really my first choice; networking, however, is among the best things to grow and learn from. This sets up a setting whereby people can be themselves, their personalities may come forth in unique ways.
The Daunting Task of Networking
Networking-whether above the bar or in a conference-will always be a little intimidating. You put yourself out there, make first impressions, and hope they go well. Whether you’re looking for a new position or trying to connect with someone specific, no matter what your intent may be, you’re there for a reason: to expand your network and get your face out there.
Since you want to transcend a timid, intimidated networker into one that people will remember, here are some key components to keep in mind, including:
Understand your intentions: understand why you’re networking-you should be thinking of what you want to get across.
Don’t make this transactional: actually be interested in making friends and connections instead of asking favors from others.
Have fun: don’t be overly professional-let them see your personality; your relationships don’t have to be starched.
Come Prepared: Elevator pitch, fancy resume, business cards.
Numb Your Jitters: Hone a story to tell to fall into conversations.
Listen More; Talk Less: Converse, don’t talk above others.
Make It a Conversation: It really should feel like an idea exchange, not a sales pitch.
Don’t Network When You Need Something This Minute: We all want things yesterday. But relationship-building takes time, so approach networking as you would any investment-in other words, think long-term.
How connections are sustained is by nurturing the relationships after the conversation.
This sounds like advice we’ve all heard before-and probably isn’t particularly new. Nobody, really, likes to network, but it is less terrifying if you consider it more of a conversation. Practice it in different contexts, always prepare with a few conversational topics.
So even when a conversation doesn’t go as one had hoped, there is always something to be learned from each and every interaction. Embrace the process, and you may find that networking becomes rewarding rather than an annoyingly time-consuming chore.