On Networking
Networking is a huge buzzword in the business community. There are so many books and videos on this topic, that it's not necessary to talk about it again in this status. Yet I'm talking about it, not just because I want to but because I think some of my friends have serious misconceptions about it. I'm lucky to know some of the master networkers in our country and I think I understand a little more about networking than some of my friends and acquaintances.
Here's my bit -
1.
Go for quality, not quantity.
It's good to know a lot of people but make sure you have some solid friendships. An ambivert person like myself can only make so many friends, so my network is basically a few good people who can help me with almost everything.
My personal network consists of four kinds of people-
1. Friends who will lend me money without asking me too many questions (though I avoid taking loans but this is an important criteria)
2. Friends who are super persuasive and know a lot of people
3. Friends who can make me laugh
4. People I look up to
Since I don't have many friends, most of my friends have all these qualities in them.
2.
Don't be too desperate to make new connections, it may create a negative first impression. You may meet an important person in the elevator but that's not always your golden chance to pitch your million-dollar idea.
3.
Don't be a people pleaser. Some people will like you, some won't. If you try to make everyone happy, well, you'll risk losing your own voice.
4.
Avoid commitments as much as possible. People with good heart usually can't say 'no' to people. But I think saying 'no' will save more friendships when promises are difficult to keep.
5.
Don't try to do level jumping with the important people in your network. If you can establish yourself as someone important, only then you'll be friends with important people. Buttering them up might give you short-term success but in the long run inequal friendships don't last.
6.
Don't try to reach out to people only because you think you have reached the same rank as them. Making new connections should be organic and have mutual understandings.