It’s not what you know, it’s who you know.
Maybe you haven’t bothered to read some of my posts on networking because you may think it doesn’t apply to you. Tell me if any of the following statements sound familiar:
- I’ve got a secure job at a large company.
- My work is completely internal.
- I don’t have the time to network.
- Networking just isn’t one of my top strengths.
- I’m in a good place right now…why bother networking?
You may reason that networking isn’t really relevant to you, right?
There is NO Reason Not to Network
Wrong on all counts. If you believe any of the statements above are your reasons for not networking, read on. Your career is at RISK! And I mean that.
No one obtains career or personal success without others. Period.
You may not be responsible for outside sales, but you are always selling something: your idea, report, request for promotion, to work more flexible hours, for additional staff, and the list goes on. Without the support and buy-in of others, you’ll find a long and frustrating road ahead.
Should your company be acquired or your job made obsolete, where would you turn? You know me not to be a doomsayer (positivity is a top strength of mine!) but you have got to have connections inside and outside your professional organization. It just makes sense.
Tailor Your Networking Activities to Meet Your Needs
That doesn’t mean you have to attend a ton of Chamber of Commerce events. It might simply mean that you attend the regular association meetings pertaining to your profession. Or that you get to know others at church.
It means you also build relationships within your current organization. You never know where your co-workers will end up or who or what firm they may know that might be just the connection you need. In reality, networking is quite simple.
But…Networking Just Isn’t My Strength
So many clients and others I know or speak with tell me “networking is just not my strength.” Here’s the truth: It DOES NOT have to be!
Use your natural strengths, take the Clifton Strengths Assessment, and network in a way that is natural and easy for you. When you do this, you’ll find that networking is not only easy, but enjoyable!
Your Easy, Complete Networking Plan is Waiting…
And if you really haven’t been reading these articles, here is your complete networking plan…just a few mouse clicks away!
1. Your best opening statement
2. Your “what you know/do” descriptive sentence
(Your elevator pitch)
3. How to break the ice
4. The importance of follow-up
5. How to nurture your network
If you are still challenged, and like me, prefer an accountability partner for your network development, click here to schedule a complimentary session. You’ll have a network in no time!