Networking?

It was a spectacular night on Saturday the 2nd of September when several alumni from the Presbyterian Boys' Secondary School gathered in London to celebrate the school's 85th Anniversary. I am a proud alumnus.

At this stage I am sure you a wondering what I was doing in a boys school. Well, back when I was in school Presec, as the school is affectionately known, had a mixed sixth form. The first five years were for boys only, but the sixth form was co-ed. It is a unique boys school in this regard and the inclusion of girls in the last two years was driven primarily by the science facilities that the school had which were arguably the best in the country. In fact, to this day the school holds the record for the most national science and mathematics quiz wins - but I digress.

Reflecting on an awesome night in a room filled with several successful professionals, I thought about how fortuitous it is that we all happened to be connected by this school. It was the sort of event that many would say is great for networking.

Networking!

The questions come up frequently. "How important is networking?" "Where should I go to network?" "How should I behave when networking" and more...

Here are some thoughts to consider.

We get out what we put into any endeavour. This is fairly obvious. However I am not simply referring to the time you commit to networking events but rather asking, what are you really putting in? How much of your skills, talent and professional capital are you giving to others in your network? Networks are most effective when members of the network are willing to give. A network of givers is far more likely to be successful overall.

Don't just look up. Look sideways and downwards too. Our efforts to network should not solely focus on those who are further ahead in their careers, emphasising how they can help us. Networking with peers and those who are earlier in their career journey compared to you holds immense value. Investing in them is much more likely to be immediately appreciated, particularly if they don't feel you are seeking a return. You leave a lasting impression. Such impressions make it more likely to receive a return when you least expect. I have had significant recommendations come to me from people who would not call themselves further ahead but deeply appreciated exchanges we have had. They were present in the decision-making room when I was not.

Network all the time! Networking is not the preserve of special occasions. There are several people in my network who have known me most of my life. Every engagement is a networking opportunity. The 5 mins at the coffee machine. The 20 mins over lunch. The person in your classroom. The person you walk past every day at the office. Be intentional about connecting with people you encounter, especially if you have any length of face time with them. And if you can go further to connect at planned events, extend your approach there. As people chat about their interests and what they are working on, you can offer to directly help them or connect them to someone you know who could help them be more successful. Keep giving!

Above all, enjoy networking!