Networking. We all do it in some form or fashion. Maybe you’re helping your kid get a job at the snack bar by talking to the Pool Association. Or being a big man (or woman!) on campus at a conference. Networking is a very real, and at times necessary, thing.
What is Networking?
The art of networking depends on your industry. If you are a lawyer, you’re going to network differently than a jewelry designer. That’s because your objectives are different, your communities are different. People like to do different things, in different ways. That’s why jewelry designers might attend a meetup at a local coffee shop, while a lawyer might network at a formal function at their firm.
Wait, I was supposed to answer what networking actually was. By definition, networking is “the exchange of information and ideas among people with a common profession or special interest, usually in an informal social setting”. And if Investopedia said it, it must be pretty legit.
Who Should Network?
If you want to progress in your industry, a bit of networking never hurts. But as stated above, it’s an art. You don’t want to go all out the first time meeting someone, you might come off as too harsh, desperate, or aggressive.
If you want to network, you’ve got to start slow. It’s like dating. Or running a marathon. Slow and steady!
Any business professional, whether you’re a creative, into food, working in an office, heck, whoever you are, whatever you do… networking can be worthwhile.
Why Network?
I said it above and I’ll say it again, if you want to move forward, networking can pay off. Of course, hard work can help you go far. But if you want to go further, and potentially faster, networking can be beneficial.
Networking is like marketing. Or PR. It’s putting yourself out there and showing what you’ve got to offer. And then it’s up to your audience to act, or to not act.
But What if I’m Shy?
Totally understandable. Taking a million deep breaths before a call (even when you know the person) is real. What if you mess up? Say the wrong thing? It’s not like an email, where you can just backspace your way through the whole exchange.
Even still, you may be an overthinker and not even want to email. Crafting your “business voice” can be difficult. You want to be cool, calm, collected, but with a little bit of fire under your “you know what”.
So, how to solve this pickle? Have you considered LinkedIn? You’d be surprised what a simple follow or connection might do. Now for the baby steps… Liking someone’s post… or even sharing an interesting article. Maybe you’re feeling daring, and want to tag a company or a prospect you are interested in connecting with. See? Not so bad!
I’m Ready to Get Started but Don’t Feel Genuine
This is normal. You’re taking a big step beginning your networking journey, and it can be a windy road. In short, starting out networking is uncomfortable. It can be awkward. And that discomfort and anxiety may be what’s making you feel off – or disingenuous. Because you don’t feel like yourself.
If that’s not the case, and you really do like a faker, then you need to address why. Did you buy a stiff new suit for an interview with a new employer? Did you meet for happy hour and wear pearls even though you detest pearls? Did you buy fake glasses to meet with a partner of a law firm to look smarter? Come on, people! This might be why you aren’t feeling genuine!
Here’s how to put on your big kid pants and network like yourself:
- Identify who you want to speak with and why
- Contact them in a manner that you are comfortable with
- Don’t follow up too quickly, feel things out
- Landed a meeting? Cool. Business casual. If you’re networking via Zoom, at least wash your hair.
- Now that you’ve entered the “networking zone” (haha) just let it flow. If it’s a call or Zoom, writing down a few talking points you want to touch on never hurts, and it can calm your nerves.
Ready to get out there?
You got this!
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