The Single Most Important Aspect of Networking

One of my goals for 2016 was to get out of the home office more. More = once a week.

The goal was twofold, really.

First, working from home is isolating. It’s great but sometimes I crave the interaction of colleagues, even for a few minutes.  Social isolation is a real bummer, people!

So you could say I’ve been looking for work friends.

The second – and real – goal was strategic and part of my business plan: expand my business.  New business certainly wasn’t going to simply ring my doorbell.

Attending networking events seemed to be the perfect solution for both.

I’ve been at this almost a year now, even longer for some networking groups.

What have I learned about networking?

• Have a Plan. Establish your goals before attending a networking group or event. Do you want to make new business contacts in the hopes of obtaining new clients? Is your intention to learn new skills by interacting with people in your industry? Are you interested in meeting with like-minded professionals while giving back to the community?  There is a networking group available that will meet your criteria, as long as you know your goals.
• Presentation is Important. Take ownership of yourself, including dressing for success. Yes, people will judge you in the first ten seconds they meet you. It’s time to present yourself as if you are interviewing for a job, even have your elevator speech ready in order to tell others what you do and who is your ideal client.
• There’s an Initiation Period. Not with hazing or rituals, but true membership takes time.  Like any group, friendships form and as a newcomer you are not yet part of any inner circles.  You can get there; it takes a while.  Give up too soon and you’ll always be in search mode.
• Groups are Fluid. Don’t judge the group by only one visit. People come and go; not all members attend each meeting. If the group meets weekly, attend for three to four weeks to get an idea of who attends as well as the dynamics of the group.
• Mingle! It’s tempting to sit with the one person you met and feel comfortable around but that’s not the point. The goal is to cast a wide net and meet as many people as possible each time you attend.
• Know When it’s Not Working.  If, after multiple visits over several months, you are not achieving your goals, it might be time to consider another networking group.  If your goal is to gain prospects yet after six months of regular meetings all you’ve gained is five pounds from the food, this may not be the right group for you. Then again if you’re a foodie, it may be okay.  It’s all about goals and expectations, and marrying the two with the right group.

All of these are important. Yet the The Single Most Important Aspect of Networking is this:

• Do you help others in the group? Do you bring them what they need, be it new clients, suggestions, or assistance when they ask?  This will help you above and beyond anything else in building your network and getting others to help you.

Networking is something you have to schedule; it must be part of your business plan. It’s strategic and you have to work at it.

Anything less is just socializing.