Networking: The Daily Habit as Essential as Brushing Your Teeth
Since as far as I can remember, I have brushed my teeth every day. I am sure the same is for you. I brush my teeth after I eat breakfast but before I take a shower. It is more than a habit - it is just something I do every day. This post is about convincing you to treat networking like brushing your teeth.
First up is why is networking so important. Let’s start with the obvious - regular networking builds your professional reputation and credibility. When you consistently contribute to your network, share valuable insights, and help others, you become a trusted and respected member of your professional community. As an entrepreneur, this trust leads to future customers, potential investors, partners, distributors, employees and contractors. Yes, networking is about people and people will ultimately drive the success of your startup.
The issue with most of you is that we tend to treat networking as a task that you turn on when you need it. Like a light switch. It is optional. This approach does not work, it changes the networking dynamic from one of mutual service to each other to a transaction. This is the root cause and the outcome is awkwardness. I promise you this dynamic changes when you do it every day and you focus 50% of your efforts on helping your networking partner.
Second phase is making this a habit. According to a study from London’s Global University, it takes on average 66 days for a new behavior to become automatic.
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Networking has to be as important and as daily as brushing your teeth.
Don’t treat it as? an option, make it just what you do every day.
Over the past 15 years, I have met 1 on 1 with at least 5,000 people. Many of those people I have connected with more than once. Many of the connections span years. Without a doubt, I find that my networking connections are the most valuable, important and rewarding action of the day. (I have multiple posts on how to effectively network.)
The relationships you build today will find ways to enhance your career and your business in ways you cannot imagine today. Networking is an investment in your future self in whatever version you evolve to.?
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Helping organizations field their winning team | Talent Management Consulting | Employee Experience Consulting
7 个月I like the analogy you have drawn here Chris. Being an introvert it takes that extra push to get out there as much. But if we turn it into habit and muscle memory, it does get easier! Thanks for granting us permission to keep putting ourselves out there.
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7 个月Networking daily can open doors. Small consistent efforts lead to big opportunities.?
I help government, utilities, and healthcare industry save money by streamlining billing and payment transactions, bringing efficiency, and adding value!
7 个月Very true, Chris. Great analogy.
Startup Founder | Professor of Entrepreneurship | Helping students and startups grow sustainable businesses
7 个月Love this, Chris. I think you solved the problem that I occasionally face—awkwardness. When my networking is only “out for me,” it can feel hollow and forced. But if there’s a give and take, it’s a blast. Thank you for crystallizing this.