by Pete Machalek
In this day and age, there are so many people talking about the necessity of networking, that sometimes the question of WHY we network falls by the wayside.
But it’s so crucial, I thought I’d address it head-on. We need to know WHY we’re networking if we want to make the most of it.
We network to be known, by as many people as possible, and to be known as a source of value.
If you’re unknown, you’re up a creek when you lose your job, or when you need help, or when you’re looking to take a next step in your career, or when you’re looking to take your team or your business or your ideas to the next level.
If you’re unknown, the job of moving forward is HUGE, because you have to start from zero and you have no momentum.
In our BE CONNECTED events (next one coming up this Monday the 21st), we recommend that you network. Network anywhere and everywhere, but most specially network in the community that you want to be known in. Build relationships, and build them by offering your help. Start conversations with an ear for what people are looking for, so you can provide them with help, one way or another.
Become known as a source of value.
Do it inside of the organization you’re with, if you’re with an organization. Do it inside of the field you’re looking to move forward in. BE the value that you know you represent.
The good news is that you can start from zero and gain momentum enough to make a difference for yourself quickly. After just a couple of weeks of meeting and helping as many people as you can inside of a target community, you’ll build a reputation — the kind of reputation that you WANT to have, that will get your name around, associated with the kind of value you have to offer. The kind that people want, that they are willing to invest in to retain.
And once you have the momentum, KEEP IT UP! So many of us stop networking after we get hired because we feel like we don’t need it anymore, now that we’re safely and securely employed.
This concept of being “safety and securely employed” is finally falling by the wayside. The truth is, it was never a terribly accurate or useful concept to begin with, and painful as it may be, it’s best for us to shed it entirely. When we get rid of it, we recognize AGAIN how useful constant networking is. Because we’re ALWAYS going to benefit from it. When we get to a point where we no longer “need” to network, we have more luxury to be risk-takers, which increases our ability to network.
Even more good news is that networking constantly forever is so much easier than starting and stopping, starting and stopping. It gives you a consistent reputation, and a constantly growing one. Network all the time, everywhere you go, with everybody you talk to. Help everyone you can, every way you know how, using your network.
And by the way, when you’re networking this way, networking by helping, there is absolutely NO CONFLICT around networking when you’re already with a company. Many of us stop networking when we get employed because we don’t want to accidentally give our company the impression that we’re looking for career possibilities outside of the company.
But companies WANT employees who are hungry for more, who are on a trajectory upward. Companies WANT to know what their people are after so they know what kind of carrots to use to motivate them.
And they WANT employees to network. Because they know it’s not just your reputation you’re building, it’s theirs. They want you out there spreading the gospel about who you are and what you do, and who you do it for. What’s good for you is good for them.
So, why network? Because you’re helping EVERYONE when you do — Yourself, the organization you’re with, and the people that you’re talking to. You’re building your reputation, you’re promoting yourself and your value, you’re building relationships that will propel you and your business forward and will serve as a support system if and when you need it.
So, what are you waiting for? Get out there and do it!
Let us know what you think about this. What are your experiences around networking? How do you network? Where do you go? Who do you want to help?
Well, this is right on. The other day, a pretty famous person whom I believed didn’t know I existed told a friend of mine…”Oh, Melanie, she’s an icon”. I believe that is because I am seen at lots of events. Of course I have been doing this for 14 years!
Good job hunting everyone!
Melanie, it’s so great to hear from you after so long, and great to hear things are going so well for you!
I have been attending formal networking events, association presentations and general business gatherings and meetings (anywhere from two to hundreds of people) for decades. The one goal I have in every instance is to listen to others and try to get them introduced to someone who can help them, either at the event or within my network of friends, colleagues and associates.
Nothing gives me more pleasure than being able to facilitate a successful outcome for others!
I have been networking at various HR professional associations. I think it is really important, especially if you
are trying to get back into a particular industry. I have become more actively involved during the past 6-months period and it is starting to make a difference. I think it is important that a person has an “in person” presence, as well as an “online” one.