If you know me well, then you know that I am a big believer in the power of networking and regularly see consistent and predictable results from networking. In today’s world, I firmly believe that networking is more important than degrees, certifications, resumes, or how good you look. Regardless, many people are stuck not getting what they want from their job, career, business, or relationships. In conversations with friends, family, clients, and colleagues, I’ve noticed some common ways of thinking that hold people back in this area:
“I Hate Networking”
According to Dictionary.Com, one definition of networking is “to cultivate people who can be helpful to one professionally, especially in finding employment or moving to a higher position.” I find it incredibly ironic that people who seem to hate networking are usually the ones who are also actively looking for new employment and/or a higher position.
“I Don’t Have Time to Spend on Networking”
In its purest form, networking is socializing and making friends. Social disorders aside, how could you not have time socialize? When you are waiting on line for food at your lunch break, do you have time to ask the person near you how their day is going? Do you not have time to ask someone new to lunch next week? Do you not have time to quickly introduce yourself to that neighbor on your block that you always see when you come home?
“I Always Network, but Nothing Ever Comes From It”
I find that people who constantly try to promote themselves usually say this. One of the best things that I’ve learned about networking was from Thomas J. Stanley in his book Networking with Millionaires… and Their Advisors (affiliate link). The book itself was a boring read, but filled with great advice on how to network. Towards the end of the book, he talked about how true success at networking is becoming an apostle to other people…going out of your way to help others and NEVER expecting anything in return. Over time, you will become the person that other people go to FIRST when they need something and they will connect you with the right people.
What Are Your Thoughts on Networking?
(please answer below)
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Networking is a must for any aspiring musician to take his or her career to the next level…. At first, I was a bit leary about joining facebook, and other networking sites, but after spending on average 20 minutes a day networking, my career has been taken to yet another level. I've obtained more students, recording sessions, gigs, and made some cool new friends… I travel alot, and and it's exciting to meet people face to face that I've become friends with on facebook etc. and you'd be amazed who is actually on facebook (many famous people)….. Enjoy!
Thanks Mike. Good to hear about another drummer who has had success with networking. I like the 20 minutes a day policy. Whether it's the Moeller technique or networking, what you pay attention to grows stronger in your life.
Mike, you're right that much of our success comes from who we know–and who knows us. In my 15 years of appreciating networking as one of the best ways to build my business, I think that negative attitudes stem from a handful of factors:
- You're shy, and don't feel comfortable in large groups where you don't know people
- You're not confident in the value of your product or service
- You don't have a lot of experience with networking, and fear being judged on not being "scintillating" enough
- You have over-burdened yourself with expectations for networking, such as "I need to close 10 pieces of business at this event alone," rather than "I'll meet two people that I would really like to sit down and have coffee with"
- You don't set a clear intention for what you want to say about yourself, and who you'd like to meet
I'm not pointing fingers–I've experienced/done/been guilty of all of these myself.
Thanks Nina
Some tips in framing you networking effort.
?Let you existing networks know that you are looking for a new employment experience
?Let your network know that you are interested in a particular profession, industry or organization.
?Identify those you know that are in or know, or might know of anyone who in those profession, industry or organization
?Ask them for an informational interview.
?Do your homework. Find out as much about the subject as you can before the interview
?Develop a list of questions.
Thanks Uncle James
IStart with the people you know:
Networking is important in all aspects of ones life including the job searches. We do it all the time in our social arenas. If we like somebody or thing we try to find as much about them or it to move our agenda forward. It is the same in the job search. So, do not for get about the people you know when networking for employment. You have built personal, family, social and professional relationships over time. If you have taken the time to be there for them when they needed you, it is all right (although sometimes very hard) to ask them for help when you need it. Start your new employment networking with the people you know!
I agree with Thomas J. Stanley when he asserts:
I agree with Thomas J. Stanley when he asserts, “the true success of networking is becoming an advocate of other”. My network, which I call my Kitchen Cabinet consist of people I have know and supported for many years as well as those I am now just getting to know.
Link up, engage and support expecting nothing in return:
I link up with people who I think are doing interesting things. I engage them by listing to their concerns and opportunities and supporting them when I it is appropriate to do so. I find out as much as I can about their inner motivations. What drives them to do what they do? I share my values, motivations and life experiences with them not expecting or asking for anything in return.