I was sent to a workshop on networking. Yes, the loudest person in my office was sent to learn about networking. Seems silly right? It just shows you that there’s no such thing as being perfect at anything.There’s always something you can learn, and always something that you can improve. I was fortunate to attend a “Networking for Impact” workshop by Dr. Harris Ginsberg, and let me tell you, I learned a lot. Luckily for you, I’m sharing some of my knowledge!
What is networking? Networking can be defined as “building relationships with an extended group of people to form mutually beneficial opportunities to aid and support each other over time.” A strong network relationship includes purpose, a relationship, common interests, common goals, and is of course mutual. All of the networking that you do will benefit you, and this is okay. Here are some ways to boost your skills to network for impact.
It’s all about the initial connection.
Like the saying goes, you only have one chance to make a first impression. Make eye contact, smile, and ask how the person is doing. Listen to them. Try your best to make the other person feel good, and watch them begin to feel positive about the interaction!
Relationships will only continue if there’s something valuable.
People are selfish. We do things in our best interest. If two people can gain something from each other, the relationship is formed. There’s a give-get mindset when it comes to networking. Rather than thinking about networking as “using” people, focus on what you can learn; be curious; find the commonalities between you and others.There’s a mutual benefit; it’s all about the positive impacts we can give one another.
Don’t force the conversation.
People want realness. There is never a reason to corner someone and force them to talk to you. Ask questions such as “where are from?,” “where do you work?” and “what did you do before?” These simple questions allow the other person to open up and the responses give you insight into whether or not they may have a connection that could be of benefit to you.
You can kill a relationship by making it too rigid.
Do not try to set up daily phone calls to network; you’ll suffocate them and turn them off. If you have a meaningful relationship with someone, you don’t have to stay connected all the time.
You never know what’s going to come out of a single conversation.
You’ve heard it all your life – you never know unless you try. Dr. Ginsberg told a beautiful story of a casual conversation with an Ethiopian cab driver last week and after a delightful twenty-minute conversation, was able to put him in touch with a career contact in the cab driver’s field of interest in Ethiopia! You truly never know who you’re going to meet. Or what you might learn.
Increase your bank account.
I’m speaking about your metaphoric bank account. Millennials, we should want to do favors for people. We should want to help them. Why should we go out of our way? Because you never know when you may need a favor from that same person. Yes, it may not be until years from now but as I said before, you don’t have to stay connected all the time, so “pay it forward.”
Have a personal brand.
Have an elevator speech on your iPhone about yourself, your job, your career, and your aspirations ready to go. This go-to two-minute self-introduction should begin to say what you have to offer.
If you want to be remembered, do things that make you memorable.
We’re all about the technology, sending that LinkedIn request, Tweet, and possibly an e-mail. This is all a great way to connect, but does it make you memorable? Think about it – everyone stays in touch with technology. If someone truly had an impact on you, or if you believe someone can truly benefit you, send them a handwritten note. I guarantee, it’ll make you memorable.
If you find people you find compelling, and maybe you can make their story more compelling, I encourage you to find those people.
This was my favorite piece of advice that all millennials should remember. Make lasting relationships with these people. They should be your main network.
