The Best Networking Mistake You Can Make To Build Your Career
And 5 tips on how to make networking work for you.
Let’s face it, for most of us networking is downright uncomfortable. It goes against our nature, leading us to question ourselves and the value we can offer. Yet networking can lead to job opportunities, promotions, and success in our careers. It also supports us in our personal lives, introducing us to long lasting friendships. So why then, is it so darn hard?
Because you haven’t learned how to make the mistake it took me years to make.
After investing time searching for groups, joining socials, and attending events, I was left frustrated and empty handed. I realized I had been doing it all wrong: I was focused on quantity over quality. I decided to ditch the groups, put away the business cards, and make the one networking mistake that turned it all around: connecting one-on-one.
Networking was useless to me in my career until I took this new approach and learned how to make networking work for me.
Understand what’s missing.
Before filling your calendar with one-on-one appointments, take the time to understand two things: what is missing from your network and what you are looking to gain from a new connection. Consider your career aspirations, the qualities you look for in a job, and the support system you need to achieve your goals.
Do the research.
Once you’ve determined what you’re looking for in your network, start to research and identify the people you would like to connect with. Within your organization, consider those who have followed a path similar to what you’re seeking. Or ask the manager hiring for the job you want who they would recommend you connect with.
When I started in the technology industry a decade ago, there was even less female representation than there is now. After many years struggling to figure out the networking game, I finally realized it was time to look outside my organization.
Spend some time doing the work to identify who would be valuable to connect with.
There are many tools at your disposal, including my go-to: LinkedIn. Although it might seem intimidating at first, I have never met a woman who isn’t willing to give another woman fifteen minutes of her time.
Be clear in your purpose.
In other words, know your why.
When you take the next step and contact someone, be clear about what you are seeking and what you bring to the table.
It can be as simple as wanting to establish a connection to build a mentoring relationship. Or as ambitious as wanting advice on how to become the next CEO of your company. Either way, being clear in your purpose will not only help guide the conversation, it will help you to get the most value out of the discussion.
Make yourself virtually available to anyone and everyone.
Many of us forget that social media is meant to be social. In the past, I have found it more intimidating to introduce myself via email or instant message than face to face. But if you put yourself in the other person’s shoes, think how wonderful it would be if someone asked you to connect with another like-minded person?
I’d say yes every time!
Remember that we’re all in the same boat and it is an even playing field for everyone. In my experience, connecting virtually does not take away from the value of speaking with someone face-to-face.
In fact, leveraging technology and social media allows you to reach far outside of your network that otherwise wouldn’t be possible. It allows you to cast the “net” of your network even further.
“Networking = Expanding your net and working it.” — Susan Rowe
Be authentic.
This is my favourite part of networking one-on-one: you can be true to who you are, comfortable in your own skin, and still benefit from networking. For too long, networking groups made me feel like I was in high school again, unable to find my way or fit in.
When you are seeking an authentic connection with someone, it is important that you feel confident to show up as yourself.
If for some reason you don’t feel comfortable showing up as yourself, maybe you’re connecting with the wrong person and need to find someone else.
When I shifted my approach to networking I started to find purpose in each meeting, and intention behind each introduction. Needless to say, my network started to grow into something meaningful. Each interaction I had led to a nugget of info, an inspiring comment, or a new opportunity. And creating connection with others is more important than ever:
“… it’s more important than ever to invest in the relationships that make us who we are.” — Michelle Obama
If you continue to find authentic and meaningful one-on-one connections, they could lead you to the networking group you didn’t know you needed.
A group created, cultivated, and curated by you, with the same goal in mind: your career’s success.
