Networking is powerful – if we are confident enough to actively join in
Networking seems to be an all-time buzzword for many of us. It describes the meeting of people, usually in more of a work or career context, to build strong relationships that many hope to at some point benefit at a later stage. It is true that networking can be very useful and especially in the corporate world is essential to reach goals faster and build a network of strong allies for career enhancement. Unfortunately, just doing the job is not always good enough to get us where we want to be.
Very often however, networking has just become a mainstream term and many of us are confusing networking simply with people interaction. One of the largest barriers as well, why the reputation of networking has suffered a little bit recently, is the fact that it takes a lot of self-confidence and esteem to actively play and understand the so-called game of active and successful networking.
To march into a room full of people and try to establish new strong connections and relationships with them requires immense courage for many of us. Some of us are just natural networkers – those are blessed – but for many others, networking and communication can feel as being hard work that will not always pay off immediately. For successful networking, a few rules must be met.
Those that very often criticize networking are those that lack the self confidence to go after new contacts and meet new people easily. However, networking has proven its value as being highly effective when done right. The first very important point when networking is to meet the right people in the first place. Think about who those people are that are close to you or that you feel a desire to connect with and learn from. This will provide the start to not only build a network but to build a network that will also benefit you in the long term. So, who do you want to meet in the first place. Here, it is also always good to mix it up, not to only meet likeminded people. A good mix of a network is key.
Secondly, and probably even more important when networking is to be authentic. Be yourself. Now, that is often easier said than done, especially when networking with people that are above you or even far above you in the corporate hierarchy. However, it is super important to be yourself, be confidence in your own abilities and either people like you as you are, or they don’t. There is no point to play a part where you are not yourself just to please people when networking. If you are not yourself, people will realize quickly. Being yourself is always good enough – remember that.
If you are open-minded, build on your self-confidence, meet the right people, and connect through being authentic you are already ticking a lot of boxes that will lead to successful networking and this really paying off for you. However, always remember not to go too far on networking and that it is not a silver bullet for guaranteed career success. You also must be good at what you do and perform. Only then can networking help you go the extra line.
Networking can work if you know how to do it in an effective and efficient way. Networking is not as bad as its reputation as being manipulative and only wanting to get people quick career enhancements. Networking can work for everyone, if we only know the basics to play the game in the best way and not overestimate the potential outcomes, we might be able to achieve through networking. To not network however, is almost always a mistake we will regret at some point. The earlier we start therefore, the better as the more we can learn the rules of networking.
