Network? I can hear you already: I don’t have time! It’s so much work. Can’t I just keep my head down and do my work?
I definitely agree: you are extremely busy and networking is like going to the gym, which for many of us is not our favourite place to hang out. But, networking is essential to building career success.
The adage of work hard, keep your head down and produce gets the job done, but keeps you siloed in your current role. Networking helps you create greater career success by building stronger relationships with key people in your organization, professional association, and the marketplace.
NETWORKING, a Key Contributor to Career Success:
It Raises Your Profile –
Deloitte Consulting is a great example of an organization that thrives on networking. New recruits are advised to keep their profile high in the organization, and let others know what projects they are involved with, their successes, and when they are ready to take on new tasks. This formula for success keeps partners in the loop as to who is ready to bring onto new project teams.
You Gain New Ideas and Solutions –
Networking within your organization and externally helps you gain new strategies to address operational challenges you are facing. Through connecting with others you discover new ideas and solutions that can expedite your results. As an added bonus, networking renews your energy through providing fresh perspectives and new options.
STRATEGIES for Networking Success:
Do Your Research –
Keith Ferrazzi is a dynamic networker whose quiver is filled with innovative networking strategies. In his book, Never Eat Alone he outlines how to create meaningful business connections. He takes a strategic approach to each and every networking opportunity. Random networking – never! He thoroughly researches those he wants to meet using organization intranets, Google, LinkedIn, and Facebook. As a result he can immediately launch into meaningful conversations with these individuals and build strong network connections.
Maximize Your Opportunities –
Keith Ferrazzi has also created 15 Tips: Conference Commando, an article with invaluable tips to help you maximize your networking opportunities at professional association meetings, conferences, and training courses. In particular, Keith says, “A conference is a huge opportunity to build relationships with extraordinary people, people who might have significant impact on your professional or personal success.”
Optimize your networking experiences: before attending any networking event, Keith recommends, you: “write down why you are attending. What do you want to achieve? Who do you want to meet? The more clearly you articulate what you want and need….the more likely you can plan and execute your mission.”
NEXT STEPS: What’s Your Networking Plan for this Week?
What’s Holding You Back –
from picking up the phone, or sending an email, requesting a coffee? 30 minutes out of your schedule will renew you, provide fresh perspectives, and could even give you strategies to more effectively address your work challenges, and learn about new career opportunities!
Build Your Career Success: Network on a Regular Basis –
Let others know about the work you are currently involved with, projects taken on, and your successes. Ask for their input and strategies to address your work challenges. Also, be sure to mention the type of work you are interested in doing more of, so they can keep you in the loop if they hear of any upcoming projects, assignments or new opportunities.
Get out of your office.
Get connected.
Get more of what you want in your career!
Wishing you much career success!
Joanne Loberg
Certified Executive Coach & Internationally Certified Career Management Professional
JL Careers Inc
