Networking in a Bubble. Does it Still Work?

Many professionals believe that networking should be done in places of safety and comfort. They may be right in principle but wrong within the reality of today's world.

Recently, I took notice of some of the philosophies that were shared with me by some of the serious networkers I came across:

• “I only network with members in my business networking group. As a matter of fact, I am not allowed to give referrals outside my group. It’s stated right in the by-laws”
• “I only network where my potential clients are - trade shows, industry events, etc.”
• “I only network on Linked and Twitter.”

I was really surprised at the number of times I heard “I only network …”

Ten years ago, this was the case for the majority of networkers.

Today, it’s a foolish strategy.

Why?

Your networking group could disband or you may move out of the area.

You may take a job in a different industry, change departments, or start a new career.

Or, gasp, your LinkedIn or Twitter account could be blocked, hacked, or shutdown.

Where would that leave you?

I believe it’s time for many professionals to venture out of their “networking bubble” and leverage the world around them.

The Networking Bubble

A networking bubble usually has one of the two characteristics below:

1.) A group of people who have a lot of contact with each other but limited contact with people outside their “sphere of influence” (networking group, business community, or circle).

2.) A networking situation in which you only experience predictable things that you expect or find easy to deal with, for example opinions you agree with, or people in your circle who are similar to you.

In contrast, a modern-day networker has multiple circles. A networker might not have access to one circle, but there are others; they are never confined to only one and are usually active in seeking new circles or groups of people to connect and help.

Even if they were to say their inner circle are members from the ABC Networking Group, it does not mean they don’t network with other professionals who are not.

Leaving Your Comfort Zone

Trying something new isn’t easy.

Isolation is the goal of many online communities and networking organizations.

LinkedIn and Twitter don’t want you to leave their platform.

Groups and event planners want to lock you in for the long haul.

Some business networking groups even go as far as forbidding its members from joining other networking groups.

But the decision is yours.

Your time is limited and valuable.

Today, you have so many choices and exciting ways to grow your network.

Networkers need to get strategic with their networking efforts.

Are you ready to leave your comfort zone?