Networking
Professional networking is about developing and nurturing relationships with professionals in your field or related industries. Building a network is about intentionally connecting with people who can support you by providing opportunities, advice, or valuable resources to advance your career or business. Importantly, though, the best networking relationships are two-way, where both parties find ways to help each other.
Professional networking can happen in various settings, including industry conferences, social gatherings, online platforms, and professional associations.
As author and networking expert Keith Ferrazzi says, making meaningful relationships goes beyond simply collecting business cards or making superficial connections. Effective networking involves building genuine relationships based on mutual trust, respect, and shared interests. The key, however, is focusing on helping others.
Ferrazzi is a renowned author and speaker, known for his networking and relationship-building expertise. He wrote the best-selling book Never Eat Alone, where he argues that the power of networking and building meaningful connections is key to achieving personal and professional success.
In this book, Ferrazzi argues that success is not just determined by individual talent or skills, but by the quality of relationships that we are able to cultivate. He also shares practical strategies and insights for effective networking, constantly stressing that we can only sustain meaningful relationships through generosity – the idea that relationships will thrive only when helping others comes first.
Networking Experts
Ferrazzi also provides practical advice on various networking techniques, including how to make a positive first impression, leverage social media, and navigate networking events. He delves into the importance of building a personal brand, honing communication skills and creating a supportive network of mentors, advisors, and peers. He highlights the benefits of collaboration, the role of trust and empathy, and the potential for networking to unlock new opportunities.
Aside from Ferrazzi, there are several networking and relationship-building experts. The following are a few experts who help others develop networking skills to cultivate meaningful relationships.
- Ivan Misner founded BNI (Business Network International), the world’s largest business networking organization. He is considered an authority on networking and has written multiple books on the subject, including Networking Like a Pro.
- Harvey Mackay is an author and speaker. He is the author of the best-selling book Swim with the Sharks Without Being Eaten Alive and has written several other books on business and networking.
- Michael Port is a business coach, author, and speaker who often emphasizes the importance of building authentic relationships for professional success. His book Book Yourself Solid is a great resource for professionals wanting to improve their networking skills.
- Susan Roane, also known as “The Mingling Maven,” is an expert on networking, socializing, and building relationships. She has written several books, including How to Work a Room and Face to Face: How to Reclaim the Personal Touch in a Digital World.
- Donna Fisher is coauthor of the book Power Networking: 59 Secrets for Personal & Professional Success. Fisher is an expert in communication and connecting, focused on teaching others how to implement these skills in the context of team management, marketplace visibility, and opportunities development.
Another figure worth highlighting is Dorie Clark. She is an author, speaker, and consultant. While she specializes in personal branding, marketing strategy, and entrepreneurship, her work often intersects with the importance of networking, as she continually stresses the importance of building a robust network as crucial for standing out in a competitive world and achieving our career goals.
Clark has written several books, including Reinventing You, Stand Out, and Entrepreneurial You. In these books, she provides insights and strategies for individuals looking to build their personal brands, advance their careers, and succeed as entrepreneurs. However, Clark also emphasizes the importance of building and maintaining strong professional networks within these processes. She provides strategies and insights to effectively network, establish meaningful connections, and leverage those relationships for various purposes, such as career advancement, business development, and personal branding.
Networking Frameworks
A widely recognized conceptual framework used in networking contexts is the classification of professional networks into operational, personal, and strategic networks.
- Operational Networks are those that include the individuals within your immediate work environment or industry. These networks are focused on day-to-day operations and are primarily transactional. This type of network compromises colleagues, superiors, subordinates, and other professionals with whom you interact regularly. These networks are essential for executing tasks, sharing information, and collaborating on specific projects.
- Personal Networks consist of connections from outside of your immediate work context. These networks encompass friends, family, acquaintances, and individuals from diverse social circles. These networks provide support, advice, and a sense of belonging. While they do not directly impact your professional endeavors, they can offer valuable insights, emotional support, and potential referrals.
- Strategic Networks include experts in a specific area, people who can influence your objectives, or individuals with access to resources that can impact your career goals. These are the networks we need to build intentionally through mutually beneficial relationships. Connect with key stakeholders, industry leaders, mentors, and influential professionals. Strategic networks can provide access to opportunities, mentorship, and industry insights, and they can help you expand your professional influence.
Based on the work of Donna Fisher and Sandi Vilas, Dr. Hayley Lewis created this sketchnote that emcompasses what effective networking looks like.
It’s important to note that these network types are not necessarily mutually exclusive. People can be part of multiple network types simultaneously. The key is to build and maintain relationships throughout the three types of networks to enhance your professional growth, access diverse perspectives, and leverage opportunities.
There are many networking benefits. It can help you
- expand your knowledge,
- stay updated on industry trends,
- gain insights from experienced professionals,
- discover job opportunities,
- collaborate on projects,
- find mentors,
- access a broader network of contacts.
Additionally, networking allows you to showcase your skills and expertise, establish your personal brand, and create a positive reputation within your professional community.
Successful networking requires active engagement, effective communication, and a willingness to contribute and support others. It is not solely about what others can offer you but mostly about how you can provide value to others in return. By fostering meaningful connections, professional networking can significantly improve your career possibilities and open doors to new opportunities.
Recently, Ferrazzi published the 12 most common takeaways that people share with him from his book, Never Eat Alone.
- The Power of Relationships: Success in life, whether personal or professional, is often about who you know. Building strong relationships is vital to opening doors and creating opportunities.
- Generosity is Key: Genuine networking is about helping others without expecting anything in return. By giving first, you establish trust and goodwill.
- Be Authentic: Authenticity is crucial when building relationships. People can sense insincerity, so always be genuine in your interactions.
- Mindset Shift: Instead of thinking about networking as a task or a chore, consider it as an opportunity to learn, share, and grow.
- Never Eat Alone: The title itself is a lesson. Always use meal times as opportunities to connect with others and strengthen relationships.
- Vulnerability is an Asset: It’s okay to let your guard down and show vulnerability. This can help establish deeper connections with others.
- Reconnect: Don’t just build relationships and forget about them. It’s essential to maintain and nurture them. Regularly reconnect with people in your network.
- Prepare for Events: Before attending an event, do your homework. Know who will be there, what their interests are, and how you might be able to help or connect with them.
- Diversify Your Network: Don’t limit yourself to one industry or group. Broaden your network to include people from various backgrounds and professions.
- Follow Up: After meeting someone, always follow up. This helps solidify the relationship and shows you genuinely care.
- Build Your Personal Brand: How people perceive you plays a significant role in networking. Consistently work on your personal brand, ensuring it aligns with your values and goals.
- Set Goals: Like any other endeavor, set clear goals for your networking efforts. This helps you stay focused and measure progress.
Tools & Exercises
- To learn about how LinkedIn can help you network, check out this article.
- If you would like some creative networking ideas, click here.
- Wondering what are some tools you can use to network? Click here to learn how to use online networking tools.
Want to learn more about networking strategies? Check out these resources:
- Pathwise book summary and video presentation:
https://pathwise.io/books/never-eat-alone-and-other-secrets-to-success-one-relationship-at-a-time/
- Never Eat Alone: 10 things about Networking they aren’t teaching you at Business School
https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/never-eat-alone-10-things-networking-arent-teaching-you-amthaniwala/ - Keith Ferrazzi – The Secret to Networking in 2020: Relationship Action Plan
https://youtu.be/Yyxsk-AnMhc - Dorie Clark on The Professional’s Guide to Networking
https://www.forbes.com/sites/dorieclark/2014/06/30/the-professionals-guide-to-networking/?sh=6bd2245f3225 - Keith Ferrazzi’s: Finding Your Currency
https://ferrazzigreenlight.com/finding-your-currency/ - Seven Tips for Networking Through the Holidays
https://www.inc.com/resources/sales/articles/20041201/holidays.html - How to Not Be Boring While You’re Networking
https://www.entrepreneur.com/living/how-to-not-be-boring-while-youre-networking/440341 - Master the Referral Confidence Curve to Expand Your Network and Make More Money
https://www.entrepreneur.com/growing-a-business/master-the-referral-confidence-curve-to-expand-your/433623 - The importance of getting along with others
https://www.entrepreneur.com/leadership/the-importance-of-getting-along-with-others/340112 - 10 Reasons You Need to Start Networking Today
https://harveymackayacademy.com/10-reasons-you-need-to-be-networking/ - 10 Commandments of Networking
https://harveymackay.com/the-10-commandments-of-networking/ - 4 Simple Steps To Building Your Network And Getting Booked Solid
https://www.huffpost.com/entry/post_b_827020 - The Secrets Of Savvy Networking From Susan RoAne
https://www.forbes.com/sites/henrydevries/2019/02/28/the-secrets-of-savvy-networking-from-susan-roane/?sh=1adf492782c2
