Today we are going to talk about how to overcome that awkward feeling of networking and shift it to feel more genuine. Find the show notes on my website at PowerYourImpact.com/10.
Perhaps you are of the mindset that if you work hard and get the job done your work will speak for itself.
While hard work and results are critical factors for career advancement, a third important factor is leveraging strong professional relationships.
Networking is important. It helps you find role models, mentors, and a support system.
But we tend to shy away from or dread networking for several reasons:
Networking is time consuming and exhausting
Networking is perceived as self-serving
Networking is intimidating and awkward
It’s time to reframe your mindset and your approach to networking
I avoided networking, especially external networking, throughout the early years in my career. Despite being an extrovert, I found it daunting and awkward.
I knew intuitively that to emerge as a leader, who I knew was equally important to what I knew.
I was fortunate enough to have a mentor who advised me to change my mindset and my transactional approach.
Her technique for quality networking included 4 key steps:
- Show up as you want people to know you
You don’t have to be scripted or formal
- Start with curiosity
Know what interests you about the individual – why do you want to know them
- Understand that networking is about giving first
Cultivate the relationship before you have an ask
- If you have an ask, know your ask
Be concise and be clear
Effective networking is a skill that can be learned and practiced, but it requires a mindset shift and a thoughtful approach.
Networking does not have to be intimidating or awkward.
When you create connections based on shared interest and shared goals, you will find that you increase your professional impact.
In next week’s episode we will discuss how to build an effective network.
Effective networks serve several functions. Understanding the value of each layer will ensure you have created an effective web. Stay tuned!
