We’re often under the impression that networking has to happen at certain times and places. At networking events, or company gatherings, or select, formal association meetings or get-togethers…Hence the reservations of many professionals, especially professional women, when it comes to it.
According to the Merriam-Webster dictionary, the definition of networking is “the exchange of information or services among individuals, groups, or institutions; specifically : the cultivation of productive relationships for employment or business“; which implies that all it requires, really, is for people to connect, exchange information and/or services, and keep in touch..Which if you think about it, we do pretty much on a daily basis at work.
How many times do you connect with someone as you’re walking down the hallway to the cafeteria? How often do you get introduced, even if informally, to someone from a different group or department in or outside of your company, and actually exchange some form of information or another? Every time you do this on any given day, you’re actually ahem… networking. The only difference may be your not realizing it, and consequently not using it to your advantage.
Once I realized the power of “everyday networking“, I started preparing myself mentally first. By thinking of networking as nothing more than the human exchange of information and/or services, I came to be less intimated by the whole concept. I slowly realized that society has actually turned what should come so naturally to all of us, into an unnecessarily cumbersome and exclusive practice.
Here are 6 steps to get yourself into the habit of leveraging natural relationships as invaluable opportunities to network:
Start with Hello!
It may sound too easy, but it all really starts with introducing yourself. If you happen to approach someone you’ve never been formally introduced to, don’t be afraid to strike up a conversation. And no, you don’t have to talk about the weather, or the state of the world’s pollution…Just state the obvious, and use easy, honest conversation starters like “I don’t believe we were ever introduced“, or ” I’ve seen you around so many times, I’m sorry I didn’t catch your name“. Oh and while you’re at it, keep some business cards handy too…
Do Your Research First!
Before introducing yourself at the cafeteria or in the parking lot, try doing a bit of research beforehand. Pull the person’s Linked In profile, ask around about them, look her/him up in the company directory, or just Google him/her. However, limit yourself to obtaining just their professional information. You don’t want to look like you’ve been stalking them online and know everything about their last vacation in Venice…
Get Out of Your Comfort Zone!
We tend to network with people we can relate to, which can also limit our networking potential. Make an effort to seek people outside of your circle, or people you wouldn’t naturally converge towards. You may have seen this person for years and never approached her because she was outside your circle. Remember that diversity has now become a huge priority in companies, and consciously making an attempt to network outside of your familiar “in-group” might help you overcome any biases you may have. All the while expanding your network daily…
Tap into mutual acquaintances!
When it comes to networking, your acquaintances’ network can also be your network! Ask your friends and acquaintances to introduce and/or recommend you to their own network. Attend events with them, join them when they’re with people you may not know, and introduce yourself. This doesn’t mean you have to become an opportunist, but it does mean you’re using the resources you have available to expand your network…
The rule of the game is “business casual”!
As friendly as you may be, you may want to avoid being too familiar as you network on a daily basis. Keep it “business casual” at all times. If you’re not sure what you sound like, aim for a professional tone at the intersection of introducing yourself at an industry event and going shopping with your girlfriend.
Be Social!
We can’t talk about networking successfully on the daily without mentioning the power of social media. Whether you’re connecting with other people on Linked In, or chatting up some friends’ friends on Facebook, use social media as a way to network as well. And while you’re at it, update that profile picture, refresh your information, and make it a point to make at least one new connection a month.
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To Your Success,
The Corporate Sis.
