How do you feel about “networking”?
Does it bring about a feeling of pressure, because you hear all the time how important it is but you’re not sure where to start? Or maybe it feels like something awful, self-centred, and opportunistic?
Well, this post is to reframe how we can think about networking into something positive.
Disclaimer: I’m very extroverted, and so one of my favourite things to do is have a chat with someone and share ideas and connect. I love to learn off other people, and the idea of going to a “networking event” is exciting to me. For me, networking is not about the touted opportunities that come with meeting people in your industry. For me, it’s all about connecting with someone. Best case, a new relationship and opportunity for collaboration. Otherwise, a conversation.
I want to share with you an alternate way to consider networking. I want to help you view it as something worthwhile, something necessary, a part of our professional practice, and perhaps remove the fear that might be associated with it.
Why is networking important?
You might hear that networking is to find a job or business opportunities. When it’s talked about like this, it seems opportunistic; focused on the outcome, and perhaps not for the right reasons. Merriam-Webster defines networking as “the exchange of information or services among individuals, groups, or institutions specifically: the cultivation of productive relationships for employment or business.” That certainly seems right. But cold. Somewhat lacking.
Let’s go one layer deeper.
Networking, at its heart, is about relationships.
I argue that ultimately, our human experience is centred around the connections we have with others. In the context of work and our careers there is no single person who exists who can solve every problem we are faced on their own. We solve problems together. We learn from each other. We seek outcomes together.
That is why networking is important. Opportunities are a good by-product, but not the core reason to network. We network to build relationships, so that we can work together.
Shifting the way we think about networking
Although the word networking provides a tangible way to describe this aspect of our career, it can still feel opportunistic and self-centred.
But we can shift the way we think about networking. I think about meeting a new person and seeing how I can help them, or listening to understand and learn. The more people you meet and listen to, the more you can expand your worldview, learn new things, and develop a perspective on how you can contribute. Having a good professional relationship with someone is win-win – assuming you are generous. It’s not always about how someone might one day help you. It’s about how you might be able to help them.
Some tips on building your network
The ways you can build and strengthen your network are numerous, and don’t just have to involve going to an industry event.
At its simplest… get involved in stuff. Talk about what you care about. Actively listen to others with an open mind. Consider sharing ideas on social platforms and engage with people who also care about what you care about. Seek mentors. Join extracurricular activities, whether it’s through your work or otherwise. Put your hand up to attend the events your work participates in.
It’s also worth a note that this isn’t something you have to dive in and go all-out on. It’s a practice. Take your time. Give just one thing a go, and see if you enjoy it. Ask senior colleagues for advice, or perhaps even reach out to someone you see building a good network and ask for some tips.
Perhaps I can dive into some tips on actually build your network in a future post, but for now I just want to leave you with this: building a professional network for your career does not have to be selfish and opportunistic. If you seek to build relationships with people to teach and to learn, to listen and to guide, and to collaborate to make a positive difference in the world, then it is not selfish at all. You are doing the world a favour.
