The Definition of Networking goes Deep

When I speak with clients, we often start our networking journey with a simple definition. I've learned not to take anything for granted, so I'm often intrigued by the variety of offerings. I went to Entrepreneur Magazine where I found an article that described the term networking. It reads, "Developing and using contacts made in business for purposes beyond the reason for the initial contact. For example, a sales representative may ask a customer for names of others who may be interested in his product."

That definition is simple enough for starters. But too many times, that is the end of the road for most professionals. If that's all there is to networking, no wonder many repel networking events and other social outlets. Networking is boring, they say. I disagree. This initial definition is basic and simple. You meet someone and see if they have any leads for you. Simple as pie, right! But there is so, so much more.

The second layer is much like roots of a tree that go deep into the earth. Second definition: One degree connections-A contact of yours has their own unique network. Their web of contacts becomes part of your network, though two degrees. You are connected to your contacts contacts; which is one degree to your friend. Strong one degree connections are huge for your personal network. The more one degree relationships, the more you will find high quality two degree connections.

The third definition says, "By evaluating all of my second degree connections, through research, we identify as many key players as possible. This can be done at the first, second, or third degree level, but connectors are vital to healthy networks. A connector is someone who you have nurtured a relationship with that is willing to carry your name and positive characteristics out into the field of business everyday. They are people who promote you without you knowing it." They also have deep relationships with large numbers of people.

Lastly, a fourth component of defining the term network, is the influencer. Simply stated, an influencer is the goal of networking. All of your work building branches and deep roots is done to form a relationship with a person of tremendous influence and power. The influencer is like Babe Ruth, the home run king for the New York Yankees. Babe once walked to the plate and pointed to the center field bleachers. He then drove the ball deep into the bleachers at the exact spot he pointed. Babe Ruth said he'd do something huge and he did. That's what an influencer does in your network. It could be a reference, a phone call, or leveraging others in their network. The end result are opportunities for you and your career that are not possible on your own accord. An influencer can get anything done on your behalf because of the foundation of respect and trust you mutually have with them. Remember, people don't get jobs.....people get people jobs! Most professions include lots of surface relationships at best. But the optimal network has an influencer that can make all the difference. That is the goal of networking.