By Jane Comben
Imagine you're relaxing after a potluck dinner with friends. The host's husband comes home and catches the end of your conversation about how you're pondering a change in career direction. How wonderful if he offered you a personal introduction to the owners of an internationally recognized, local company. And simply because he knows you through the kids and thinks you'd be a perfect fit.I witnessed this scenario recently. It highlighted just how powerful fairly mundane social connections could be.
Or in other words, it's probably worth passing the time of day with people.
So why bother networking?
1) "It's not what you know, but who you know"
Dispiriting as this cliche is to school leavers, it's fantastic for those with more acquaintances under their belt.
Perhaps you're looking for a lawyer or a new job. Just think of all the people you've met at work, through sports or hobbies, at the church or marae, at school or through your children. That doesn't even include your close friends and family and all the people they know!
2) Pay it forward
Networking is a two way street. You don't need to get all mercenary and only socialise with people who are useful to you. Help others with a happy heart.
3) The 6 degrees of separation theory (or less depending where you live and long you spend on Facebook)
Fact: when I was starting my business my Mum insisted I contact her friend's daughter's friend (4 degrees of separation and 376000km). Anyway; this generous stranger kindly welcomed me into her home and design studio. She shared how she did everything from invoicing to getting business. She even gave me copies of her excel files!
4) Mind your Ps and Qs
In a small country such as ours, It's worth considering how your actions today may impact your social or professional life tomorrow. Play nice, resign well.
5) It's fun!
Find interesting people you like and spend time with them. It's networking, I promise.
Great article, Jane! Networking doesn't seem so daunting when you look at it this way.
ReplyDeleteThanks Angela, always fun networking with you.
ReplyDelete