You’re probably familiar with the fact that networking is important, particularly when it comes to finding new career opportunities. What you may not realize, however, is why networking is considered such a valuable part of your career transition.
When many of us hear the word “networking,” we have this idea of needing to ask complete strangers if they “have a job” for us. It feels intimidating and icky to think of approaching people and asking them to do us a favor, especially when they don’t even know us that well! If that’s what networking is, then it’s completely understandable we wouldn’t feel comfortable doing it. Who wants to feel like a telemarketer, interrupting dinner to sell something the other person doesn’t want?
But that is not really networking. It’s only one small aspect of the process. The type of networking that opens doors to career opportunities is not “asking someone for a job;” it’s building relationships. The whole purpose of expanding your professional network should revolve around establishing strong relationships with other successful people.
Not every networking conversation needs to end with a question about job openings! If you approach the conversation thinking only about whether or not the other person can connect you with an open position, you’ll miss the incredible insight, motivation, and benefit you could gain. You’ll also lose sight of what you have to offer the other person.
The type of networking that opens doors to career opportunities is not “asking someone for a job;” it’s building relationships.
You should absolutely expect to gain something from each networking conversation you have, but it’s not limited to a job opening you can apply for. The worth in the conversation lies in the connection you’re building with the other person. If you approach it as an opportunity to learn, grow, and add value to the person you’re speaking with, you will start to see the benefit of developing and growing your network. This, in turn, leads to opportunities that align with your goals – jobs, board appointments, speaking engagements, clients.
This type of networking requires a mindset shift. It requires preparation and clarity.
If you want your networking conversations to be beneficial, you need to remember that you have something to offer. What do you want to be known for? This is the perfect opportunity to solidify your personal brand by communicating who you are and the impact you have on organizations. What information or connections do you have that the person you’re speaking with might benefit from? Be ready to give.
You also need to be clear about what you’d like to gain from the call.
Remember that your connection has insight into the industry they’re in and the company they work for. They have experience and qualifications that you can learn from. They have relationships with other people you may want to know. And, yes, they may even know about a position that’s going to be opening up soon.
Most people enjoy being asked about their perspective or their advice. They appreciate being recognized for their expertise and experience as a leader in their industry. So, you’re not asking them for something they’re unwilling to give; you’re simply asking them to share some of what they’ve learned with you.
Most people enjoy being asked about their perspective or their advice. They appreciate being recognized for their expertise and experience as a leader in their industry.
As you get to know people and hear about their experiences, your own career journey will be impacted. Whether you walk away from the conversation with advice for advancing to the next level, ideas about a new direction to head, or gaps you may need to fill in your experience, you will have new insight into your career and inspiration to take the next step.
While not every networking conversation ends this way, the better prepared you are, the more often you achieve this outcome.
Ultimately, the significance of networking is that it strengthens your professional relationships, and each conversation you have with people in your network is another step toward reaching your career goals!
If you need some help preparing for your next networking call, I’ve got a free Networking Hacks download I’d love to share with you.