Do You Know How to Network?
Stephanie Komen-McAnelly
Strategic Communications | Stakeholder Relations | Talent Experience Brand Design | Transformational Coach | Inspirational Speaker
Do you? Do you think you know how to network? Not many are taught the skill and art of networking, but it can be learned. Most people loathe networking and only do it when they have to or they are desperate.
In those situations, they make it all about their needs and don't bother to create a relationship with their contacts...they go straight for the ask. It doesn't work and they loathe the connecting process even more. Uggghhh.
Some salespeople are taught that networking is a great way to make a sale...and they make it all about their needs and go straight for the sale. Ewww.
Networking is a long game. You have to have a vision. Your vision shouldn't be about how a PERSON can help you; your vision needs to be about what you want to accomplish, your long game. Those are the connections I really love getting to know. I learn about them, I learn from them, I collaborate with them, I send them notes when I see something interesting I think they will like or might support them in what they are trying to do. Networking should never be about how you are going to use a person in a specific position to achieve your desired ends.
I am not an expert, but I am practicing being better at the long-game of networking. Every conversation is an investment for me. I am learning to give the benefit of the doubt to people who come on strong. I try to ask better questions to get to know them. If they answer, I will continue to engage, if they push back and stay focused on what I can do for them and don't engage me where I am then I consider my options.
I would like to think I have a growth mindset when it comes to networking, that I can continue to broaden this skillset and be a valuable ally in life and work and that I am continuing to work toward that goal. As I learn more of the art of networking I have cultivated a lot more compassion for those who come across as me...me...me.
We are not given the best advice from our schools, our peers or (at least in the case of salesman) our bosses about what the end goal of networking really is...to build authentic relationships. Relationships that are give and take, ongoing, meaningful, celebratory, cheery when needed. Relationships that grow and evolve as we do in life and our career choices. Relationships where we are invested and choose to serve our friends when they are in need.
There is no such thing as short-term networking. The fly by night connections happen, but they don't cultivate real results. I am curious, what is the best and worst networking advice you have ever been given? What is one thing you have learned about networking yourself that you wish someone had shared with you earlier?
High Growth Sales Leader | B2B | B2C | Client Success | Financial Literacy | Customer Advocate | SAAS | Jiu Jitsu Enthusiast
4 年Great article Stephanie! Networking is something that most of us dislike and I think that is because we assume that we need to go right to the ask which can feel desperate. By providing value and building relationships, we learn and grow from each other and networking suddenly becomes a great tool!
Marketing Director | Field & Event Program Management | Partner Marketing | Driving 25% Pipeline Growth by Aligning ABM & Stakeholder Engagement
4 年Great commentary on networking, Stephanie! I am focused on enhancing my virtual networking! I love to connect face to face and share #customerexperience and celebrate #customersuccess. Converting our networking to a digital platform will take lots of love and nurturing but totally worth it!
Social Work Student at Simmons University
4 年Great article and very insightful! I recently learned the value of networking and I am continuing to learn. I wish I had started earlier!
Plan all the things | Data-driven Project Manager | Engagement Manager | Customer Advocate | People Leader | #beagoodhuman
4 年I enjoyed this read Stephanie Komen! ?? I am trying to teach my teen boys about the importance of networking. They each have a LI account but they don't yet feel the drive to use it. Soon enough they will get it when internships and first "real jobs" become a priority. I have to admit, when I read the salesperson part and EWWW, this was what was in my head ??
Accounting Manager at KT Grading, LLC
4 年Stephanie your article is very insightful. I too, like thousands of other people, are trying to get noticed on LinkedIn. Network, network, network is what you hear (sounds like the salesmen you mentioned). I (like you and what is recommended) need to have a connection with someone. Perhaps its a webinar, an alumni connection, mutual friend or an insightful comment on a connections post. As Renee also stated, I feel that a note is the best way to establish that connection with my connection request, along with an offer to provide support if that person needs it. It's not about me in this instance, it's about making the initial "connection"; that reason to have a more meaningful conversation that benefits us both. Perhaps this person may help me in my next phase or not. I might be able to help them. However, I'll never know if I don't make the initial nudge.