Networking as a Skill

As a coach in the athletic and business landscape, I understand the difference between an acquired skill and talent that one acquires through genes or, perhaps, bestowed upon them from the universe. You’ve heard the phrase, “you can’t teach speed”? This, for the most part, is true; however, a good track and field coach can help to make someone faster. There are naturally gifted speakers, but a good communication coach can help a person articulate an idea better.

If a desired technique or behavior is a skill, it can be taught. A naturally fast person will get from point A to point B faster than a runner who is not naturally fast, but there are techniques that can be taught to a runner that will improve their times – properly coming out of the block, proper form in the first 15 yards, body posture during the middle 60 yards, and proper finishing. These are skills and they are teachable.

Networking, natural to some, and uncomfortable to many, is a teachable skill. All of us, and most especially those of you early in your career, should develop a master’s level of proficiency as networkers to create:

·?????? A community with shared tribal knowledge and experiences

·?????? Ideation and problem solving skills

·?????? The ability to serve within the community

·?????? Business development

·?????? Career liquidity

A Community With Shared Tribal Knowledge and Experiences

Most religions encourage some sort of communal worship. Athletes in most communities find a way to “ find one another for shared workouts, relaxation, and technique perfection. Parent’s morning out for Moms and Dads who choose to be at home with the kids, twelve step programs, community exercise (group fitness) – you name it. If there’s a community with shared values, there is a weekly or bi-weekly meet-up of some sorts out there. These shared events become a place to download, upload, share, edify, rejuvenate and equip us for the day or week ahead. It creates a sense of belonging and the thought that I’m not in this alone.

Ideation and Problem-Solving Skills

·?????? My kid isn’t sleeping and I’m so tired and impatient – what has worked for you?

·?????? I seem to have plateaued in my workouts – what suggestions do you have?

·?????? I keep getting the same objection when trying to get an appointment– what advice do you have to help overcome this particular objection(s)?

·?????? I’m having doubts about my faith – have you ever had doubts and what did you do?

Being with people who have experienced what you going through and having advice based upon experience is priceless. Your Tribe can be a valuable asset in helping you learn how to navigate both personal and professional landscapes. Think of your group as a network of Sherpas who have navigated the precarious path on their way to the summit. Their help along the way almost assures that you will arrive safely and thrive.

The Ability to Serve Within the Community

Most network communities have needs.

·?????? A place to meet

·?????? Invited guests or presenters

·?????? Panel Discussions

·?????? Refreshments

·?????? Board Membership

Serving within your community is where the real magic happens. Networking is an intentional strategy, but if you only network only when you need a desired result, you are missing out on the long game. Serve. Provide nutrients to the garden; don’t just come in to harvest the fruit - produce the fruit! Arrive early to meet-ups and set up the room. Stay late and clean up. Ask your company to sponsor events by providing refreshments. If your community has a Board of Directors, volunteer. When you start problem solving with Directors, VPs and C-Suite volunteers by providing value – WOW, that is PhD level networking.

Business Development

When you have mastered the Art and Science (and the techniques) of networking, you have exponentially expanded business development opportunities. If you have served and worked your way into the Board of a Data Analytics community, you are now on the inside. Most likely, you are serving with leaders in that field. If you have worked, served, solved problems, spoken on a panel, provided lift….you are now a known and respected commodity within the group. Reciprocity is to be expected, especially if it has been earned. If you are selling in the space, and you have established yourself as a value add to the community, it’s only natural, and expected that you be given the opportunity to pursue business relationships.

To many, this seems Machiavellian, and if it’s the only reason you have entered the community, perhaps it is. Your goal is to serve, and in so doing, you have elevated your personal brand, EARNING THE RIGHT to ask. Brand that concept into your mind – Earn the Right. Earning the right means that you have demonstrated your willingness to commit to the Tribe’s cause. You have become a resource they can’t live without. Providing that kind of value earns you the right to seek opportunity within the group. Speaking of opportunity…

Career Liquidity

As a recruiter and architect of recruiting teams, I have spoken to so many people who have never sent an application or resume to the company that they work for (unless it was required later in the hiring process). Their job(s) came from someone in their network. The best way to create liquidity in your career is to:

·?????? Have a network of people who know and value your body of work, and

·?????? Be really, really good at what you do

My experience, although anecdotal, speaks to the power of networking, but more importantly, networking well! If you enter into your networking journey with good intentions, if you serve the community, then all of the seeds you plant will be harvested in good time.

What skills are required to be a good and effective networker?

Discernment

Deciding what and how much you can serve and to what purpose is a skill. Your network does not have to be business oriented, although ONE of them should be. Your church group, your Crossfit group, your book club most likely has a diverse and well-rounded membership. Get to know your group. It could be that your next opportunity (job, sale, business engagement) comes from someone in your spin class.

Uncomfortable as a skill?

I know the picture accompanying this article produces anxiety for many. As an extroverted introvert, I understand. Get comfortable with the idea of being uncomfortable. Get outside your comfort zone. Be curious, ask questions, be a learner. Learn how to present yourself in a concise and salient way – your elevator pitch. Write it down. Practice it in the mirror. Your ability to describe WHY you do what you do – HOW you do what you do, and WHAT you do, in 30 seconds or less is a powerful messaging tool! Get uncomfortable. This behavior will expand your universe beyond your wildest expectations.

Be a gardener

Add to the ecosystem. Don’t just take. So many times I have shown up to technology related networking events where I see recruiters gathered around the refreshments waiting for the presentations to be over so they can swarm “the talent” (developers). This is NOT the way to network. This is a shortsighted behavior and does nothing for your brand. On the other hand, serving the community shows you have a vested intertest in the interests of the Tribe. Again, that’s the secret sauce.

Be intentional about your network decisions. Don’t be a wallflower. Get uncomfortable and go shake hands, and go in with a servant’s heart and a giving mindset.

Networking is an indispensable tool in your career development. Combined with a high level of competency at what you do, nothing is more effective at elevating your personal and professional brand. If you have questions about where and how you can serve, message me. I’m happy help.