Networking is now a buzzword that is applied in multiple contexts. Networking is the connecting of two or more computers together. Social networking is becoming defined as the gathering of social networks or relations on the web. Networking is also an integral part of selling goods or services through a multi-level marketing apparatus. By networking, I am referring to a group of like-minded individuals who get together in person to build relationships in hopes of near and long-term benefits.
In the minds of many, networking is a social activity for entrepreneurs and those looking to sell their goods or services to those small business owners. They meet to swap business cards, exchange ideas and promote in general, their businesses. Networking is also, what the corporate types do at conventions, quarterly or yearly company meetings, and at various industry expos.
Guess what; networking can be a vital and essential activity for those who do not fall within the above definition of a networker. My first experience with networking was right after college with networking marketing. I was in transition and I felt as if I could make some money and spend my free time a constructive activity. It did not take me long to realized I was a selling soap in a multi-level marketing organization. It was possible to make money but I was not into making vague promises of wealth and freedom to get prospective distributors to attend a meeting and see a presentation of the plan only to find out after the fact we wanted you to sell soap. Something about the method of luring people in seemed disingenuous and I fell out of the group in less than a year.
So what is the broad definition of networking? Networking is actively engaging others in any social situation with purpose and intention. It may be in an informal gathering of like-minded individual at a sporting event, musical concert, or house of worship. Maybe your child is active in sports, scouting or other special interest activity. Networking is also striking up a conversation with the person in front of you in the grocery line, mall or other commercial interest.
Networking is not for everybody. If you have any interest, personal or professional, service, product or idea and you are looking to meet other people with the same interest networking is for you. Are you active with a charitable organization and you want to promote their good works, why not try casual networking? Networking is promoting your interests by taking an interest in others.
My positive networking experience grew out of unemployment. I was laid off in July 2009 in an economy that resulted in a contraction in my industry. I had not established a network of individuals in this market and found myself looking at no job prospects and very few industry connections in the Dallas-Fort Worth market. In short, I had to build a network from scratch.
It started slow. My early attempts at networking were awkward. I felt like staying at home behind the safety of my computer. As I ventured out and began to meet people in the same situation as me, I learned the Dallas-Fort Worth market has dozens of networking groups for unemployed individuals. Some of the groups have hundreds of active members and over a thousand total members counting alumni. Over time I found many individuals who not only helped me with contacts in my job search but also gave me good ideas for effective networking.
What is key to networking to effective networking? You need to have a purpose for being there and be able to explain to others what you are looking for. You need to have a 15 – 30 second message and a 2-minute message when given the opportunity to expand on your initial statement. What do you do and how can that person help up? This applies to any interest whether it is an unemployed individual looking for work, a business owner looking for future clients, or a supporter of a charitable woman’s organization spreading the message.
In my experience I found that networking works best when you have the interests of the other person ahead of your own. Almost everyone knows when he or she is being sold. You might get your sale or make your point but the chances of leaving with a negative impression are high. If you want others to take an interest in you take an interest in others first. If you jump right into your purpose after the hello’s, the next time you bump into that person, they are more likely to be aloof and preoccupied looking for a way to bail on the conversation at the first opportunity.
Networking is not for everyone. If you have an interest, cause or business and would like to expand the number of people with whom you can share your passion, than networking is for you. In my next post, I will share some of the lessons I have learned about effective networking.
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