The Real Meaning of Networking
Posted December 16th, 2013
In the spirit of the season, we’d like to discuss the “real meaning” of networking, perhaps even rehabilitate networking’s “bad reputation.”
At its essence, networking really is all about connecting. What’s more, what networking is not is simply attending a “networking meeting” and then bombing people you meet there with your business card.
What networking truly is, as mentioned above, is connecting with business professionals that one can both help and be helped by. Read that again: networking is about connecting with business professionals that one can both help and be helped by.
In a nutshell, networking is about connecting with others and then becoming available to those individuals that you can help, and asking for help from them in return, as appropriate.
Read below for some tips on how to network the right way:
- As you meet with people, ask a lot of questions – about your new contact. Really listen to the answers, without trying to jump in and tell your own story.
- Ask for the individual’s business card and don’t offer your own unless asked. It’s actually better to have the contact’s card than to give your own (without getting a card) because now you can contact the individual as needed.
- Exude confidence, not arrogance. You should be proud of what you’ve accomplished and your position, but arrogance is a definite no-no. Don’t be shy about speaking about what you do, but keep the braggadocio at bay.
- Dress professionally.
- Respect your new contact’s time. While it’s important to give him or her your undivided attention (as in not scanning the room as you hunt for your next connection), don’t hog the individual for too long.
- If, as you’re speaking with your new connection, he or she gives you a name or two of additional people you could meet, make sure you follow up with the connections and let the referrer know that you did so. Doing so shows respect.
- Don’t complain. If you’re unemployed, don’t complain about it. Don’t dump your woes on on others. Focus on the positive and speak positively.
- Make sure you thank the individual for speaking with you, and make sure you follow up with an e-mail soon after meeting. If the person does something for you such as arrange for a meeting with someone else, a handwritten thank you note is called for.
When looking for work in the San Francisco area, be sure to send your resume to the recruiters at Bayside Solutions. Contact us today!
