Last week, I did a webinar for the OIWC on “Creating and Maintaining your Network.” It gave me the chance to think about networking and how I have incorporated it into my life.
When “networking” first became the big buzzword years ago, I went out and tried it…and hated it. Yes, HATED it! For me, it was all a forced, awkward, and orchestrated encounter – with a clear underlying motive. To get something. Even if it was only a business card, a name, whatever! It was a nightmare for me.
So, I wrote it off as something someone else should do. (Someone desperate!)
Instead, I went about my merry way, meeting interesting people, connecting, staying in touch, reconnecting if it had been too long, making introductions, sharing stories, talking about industry trends, communicating news, etc.
Well, lo and behold…without knowing it, I had become an excellent little networker! Whoops!
Without even knowing it, I was freely and easily building a group of interesting business and personal contacts. I challenge you to consider looking at networking a little differently – make it fun! And, make it part of your lifestyle.
Consider what Penelope Trunk, said recently in her blog:
“Even though Baby Boomers have been telling their kids forever to network. Networking is a dirty word to Gen Y. (Think about it: A Boomer says, "I'm going to a networking event." A Gen-Yer says, "I'm going to a party.") To young people, networking is sort of like job hunting: Both are for people who don’t have a grip, because if you’re smart, networking and job hunting are like breathing. You do it all the time, so you don’t need to talk about it. It only comes up if you stop and want to start again.”
If I were to choose between a networking event…or a party? Party. Definitely. My mom’s always told me, “All you ever want to do is go to a party!” (this wasn't a compliment in her eyes). Apparently, there was something to what she said.
So, don’t go out and "force" a network. Relax, be confident, enjoy, meet people, make connections, go to parties, tell stories, make intros, share stories…and voila! You’ll have a network. And, as you make friends, they will be more inclined to be part of your life – and recommend you for opportunities or introductions.
Easy peasy. (Why didn’t anyone say this in the first place?)
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