Your Network – Nurtured or Neglected?

Aug 7

A smile, “hello” and a handshake. This is networking. What is it about this essential part of being a professional that causes a visceral reaction for so many people? Why does networking matter so much? Let’s explore these questions.

What does your network look like?

You may think that your network is solid based on the number of LinkedIn connections. For sure, it is a good starting point. However, an effective network goes further. When was the last time you stepped out of your existing circles and struck up a conversation with a total stranger at a networking event? What steps have you taken to interact with your LinkedIn connections to learn more about them and to share information about yourself?

People have a love-hate relationship with networking. For the latter, it is easy to neglect their network. Young professionals may question their contribution to a networking relationship. However, your perspective is considered refreshing and insightful. According to a survey conducted by LinkedIn, although many millennials understand the importance of networking and staying connected, nearly half reported feeling tongue-tied in the moment and do not know what to say.

What is networking?

Professional networking involves building and maintaining relationships. These connections can be within your field or in others. Those within your career sector may be positioned to offer more useful assistance when needed, especially for career advancement. Keep in mind the reciprocal nature of these relationships. You need to help your network connections when they reach out.

Why is a having a professional network important?

Here are some of the advantages of building and maintaining a professional network.

Increased job opportunities
More rapid career advancement
Greater job satisfaction
Increased confidence in skills and abilities
Strong likelihood of developing friendships

How do you build your network?

When I was directing a graduate program at the University of Vermont, students were required to attend the annual spring meeting for nutrition professionals. I asked them to talk with three people at the meeting and request business card: then follow-up with an email message afterwards. This assignment was designed to introduce them to the networking world and to build their confidence when approaching a professional unfamiliar to them. For extroverted students, this was a fun challenge. For the more introverted students, it was a bit anxiety-provoking. To help defuse some of that anxiety, we did some role-playing in class (it provided a safe space) prior to the actual event. Following the meeting each student had added three new professionals to their network.

Here are a few tips for building your real-time network:

Start immediately! Find a networking event to attend.
Set a goal. Identify the number of new people will you connect with at the networking event.
Plan in advance. Preparing a few conversation starter questions may help reduce your anxiety about what to say.
Jot down brief notes about each person you meet. Their name, what they do, what you discussed, etc. This will facilitate your follow-up.
Follow-up meaningful connections with a short note within 24 hours (email or LinkedIn message). This demonstrates your interest in maintaining the connection.

How do you nurture your network?

Make it sustainable! Once you have your network established (btw… the process never ends and ought to continue to grow throughout your career), how do you build in sustainability?

Recently while having coffee with Sharon Crost, a faculty member in the MBA program at the Grenoble École de Management, she shared her tips for building a sustainable network with my two adult children with their newly minted MBA degrees. It stopped me in my tracks, wondering what was this new spin on networking? Simply stated, it is her strategy for staying connected with her network on at least an annual basis. It left me thinking about what effort I need to make with my own network. The advantage of working to make your network sustainable is that people will be more likely to remember (1) who you are; (2) your interests; and (3) your current employment status. The payback for investing time in creating a sustainable network is that when you reach out, there is a familiarity and possibly a greater likelihood to have the “ask” honored. It feels more genuine and mutually beneficial than a long list of network connections, or names.

The bottom line

It’s never too late to build your network. If considerable time has elapsed since the last conversation with a connection, reach out and re-connect. Refresh their memory about your last connection. Although the focus of these tips has been on networking events, always be prepared to have a networking opportunity arise when you least expect it.

Still squeamish at the prospect of networking in person? Practice with a friend. Or reach out to Simple Health Partners. We can help you strengthen your networking skills.

Amy Nickerson