Are You a Good Networker?

Are you a good networker? Networking is an important aspect of building relationships in a work, business, and organizational context. It involves building connections with people who can help you achieve your goals, whether it's finding a new job, growing your business, or advancing your career.?

To be successful at networking, it is of course important to be open and approachable, but also to have a clear purpose in mind. This means that you should be proactive in seeking out opportunities to meet new people, but also be strategic in the types of connections you are trying to make. See the image below re strategic approaches to networking.

There is lots of advice on how to be a good networker and I share some big-picture ideas in the image and elaborate a bit here on two ideas as well.

# Only network if you have a purpose: Don’t listen to the people who say you should network with everyone within sight so as to not risk losing any opportunities. You are already busy and time is the most precious thing you have, so do not spend time on activities that do not serve a higher meaning. This also goes with network groups, which can be very useful, but only join if you have a purpose. It is also just fine to leave the group once that purpose is fulfilled.?

# Learn to “turn on the switch” – even if you’re an introvert: Some people believe only extroverts can become good networkers. Well, it might sound strange, but I categorize myself as an introvert. I like to be by myself and maybe I am a bit damaged by working for myself for many years now, but that is how I am now. I meet people all the time, but I prefer being by myself or with my family. My trick is that I can turn on the switch and go into networking mode.?

Being an introvert, I had to learn network techniques, and I believe that by having to work harder than most extroverts, I have become a better networker.

What makes you a good networker? What steps should you take for this? Feel free to share.