Networking is a Mindset
Hi friends! Another beautiful summer week has flown by, and we now have to come to terms with the fact that it is somehow August?!? This month always sneaks up and slips away (like a moment in time), so let me know if you’re feeling the disbelief too.
I was pondering what to write this entry about, when I realized it has been a while since we chatted corporate America- aka my home away from home 8 hours a day. Whether its via Zoom, Teams, or in an office, work is something we all relate to and are gearing up for. And it also seems to sneak by. I just had my two year full-time company anniversary last month, and I can’t believe I can say I’ve been adulting it up that long😊 If there’s anything I wish I knew how to do when I first started, its networking. I feel the need to write it as nEtWorKinG because what even is it? Everyone says the word, probably like 600x a day (especially when you are just starting a job), but actually doing it is hard. But also absolutely necessary. I would not be in the role I’m in now if I wasn’t somewhat of a master, and I thought I’d put into words what I’ve learned about networking throughout the past two years.
One of the craziest but most relieving things I’ve learned about networking is that we all network without knowing it. It can be as simple as an introduction to someone (whether at work or in everyday life) that you haven’t met yet. But the tough thing is that in order for networking to be productive, those awkward hellos need to go one step further. For something to be the kind of networking that could land you a job down the line, you MUST make a lasting impression. In my opinion, there are five ways to do that:
- Ask THEM questions and connect with their answers: people love to talk about themselves! I learned that during sorority rush, and you can bet gold it applies everywhere else too. Ask questions (not yes or no, but real thought starters) and listen to their answers – It’s the perfect tool to use later on
- Offer them something: Similar enough to #1, but offering help is probably THE best tool we each have at our disposal. Anyone can do an “intro connect” where they ask “and how did you wind up in this role” or “what’s your favorite past of the job” but just once, try ending a call and asking if there’s anything you can do in your role to help THEM. They will be flabbergasted, and most likely, they’ll say no – that doesn’t matter, it’s the implication that you are looking for ways to make the most of their time that matters.
- A thank you note: Blah, Blah… I bet you all saw this one coming. I don’t mean a template thank you note – that’s boring. I mean for truly usable connections, a thank you note that calls out specific points of the conversation you found interesting, using the details from #1. I mean one that ends with a follow up, whether its something you offered to help them with or something you plan to do as a result of the convo. And best case scenario, a time and place where you can meet the next time! The latter ENSURES that they will remember you no matter what else is going on.
- Come with a story / moral dilemma / joke – weird one here but hear me out. I once was on a work trip and out to dinner with some coworkers. We were waiting for our main entrees and the conversation had completely stilled, somewhere in that awkward void after you’ve stopped talking about work but don’t know what else is worth talking about yet. I wanted to make some connections (and silence is my enemy) so I brought up a moral dilemma (one of the few I keep in my pocket for all occasions). I’ve never seen coworkers so engaged. Point being, we all have personalities outside of our professional selves. Show that. The only thing that makes you different from everyone else is those aspects of your personality, so please don’t be afraid to let them shine!
- Sell yourself: I won’t exhaust this because I have a whole blog entry you can read about how to do this here, but I do think it’s worth mentioning that no one eyou meet will ever think its worth it to connect with you unless you yourself truly believe it is. You are a cool person! Never forget that and bring your most persuasive, authentic self to your networking opportunities.
Aside from making a lasting impression though, networking requires the effort to build genuine connections that stand the test of time. This means that strategic cadences are critical. Building off #3, never have a one-off connect if you mean for it to go anywhere! I talk to so many people, and even this summer have met so many interns at my company, but what sets them apart is who has said yes or offered a recurring connect. Depending on the seniority, be mindful of people’s boundaries, but nothing ever stood in the way of quarterly connect. At the very least, it guarantees that every couple of months, someone is remembering you exist and you have another opportunity to make another lasting impression. You never know which one of those connects will be the gateway for a job opening or a new opportunity you always wanted.
Finally, get involved! Meet as many people as possible, even if you’re lazy and would rather not attend that after-work event or join the mentorship organization. It’s all part of the deal, which is why often those that “play harder than they work” see such great results! You’re networking 24/7, and the more you do it, the more natural it feels. My version of this is called the snowball effect. Whenever someone connects with me or I connect with anyone else, I make it a point to get one additional networking opportunity / contact from that connect. My company is huge, so if doing so makes a large organization feel a bit more like a community, I’ll keep doing it. It’s SO easy, and everyone who I do it for is so appreciative that their network is spreading in such a super natural way. Feel free to incorporate that into your life and the next time you’re talking to someone new about something, ask if there’s anyone else it may be worth chatting with also. You’ll never know everyone, but it’ll get you a little closer.
Why network at all? My second month as an intern at my current company, someone gave me this advice: It’s all about the people talking about you when aren’t in the room. The conversations that get you promoted, hired, and cool opportunities? You often won’t be advocating on behalf of yourself to get them. You’ll be reliant on the people you’ve met and what they’ve seen you do, the character you’ve proven to them over your relationship. So start networking, because without even realizing it, you’ll be ushering more of those people into your life.
Next week is my birthday, so I’m excited to be back as a 23 year old. Sounds absolutely terrifying if you ask me, but I’m ready for the next year. Many more memories, many more travels, many more awkward corporate America fails, and many more blogs. Talk soon friends!
Sincerely,
Sharon