Everyone knows the importance of networking to career success. But many of us rank the activity as about as enjoyable as vacuuming underneath the sofa (and do it about as often). Instead of viewing networking as a chore, might there be ways to improve the process so that it becomes more bearable? Yes! Take a look at the strategies below to grow a network that’s both productive and pleasant.
Here’s how to grow a network that you’ll love:
Know what you want.
Networking gets frustrating when it doesn’t seem to lead to meaningful relationships. Increase the odds of meeting people you truly care about and are interested in staying connected with by evaluating your needs.
“The key is to create a written list of the traits and characteristics you seek in your contacts, colleagues, strategic partners, and friends,” says Patti DeNucci, author of The Intentional Networker: Attracting Powerful Relationships, Referrals & Results in Business. She suggests asking yourself these questions:
What traits do you value most?
What kinds of people energize and inspire you?
What types of resources, skills, and knowledge will complement yours and help you be successful in your work?
"Add other questions to help you create a basic—or even very detailed—profile of the people who will be most valuable to you, help you get things done, and ensure you are learning and growing and enjoying what you do," DeNucci says. "This exercise actually recalibrates your brain’s Reticular Activation System, which acts as a personal radar. You will know when you’ve met someone who fits your criteria—and when you’ve met someone who has not!"
Choose pleasant settings.
Sharing an interest with those around you or working for a common cause oftentimes makes interactions easier. You’re bound to come into contact with people of diverse ages and backgrounds while doing volunteer work. Or head to an alumni event and discover others who thought Psychology 101 rocked. Tongue-tied at professional meet-and-greets? Join the organizational committee. You’ll get to know the other members, plus you’ll have natural icebreaker opportunities by passing out name tags or helping people find assigned seating.
Utilize LinkedIn.
Great for introverts and extroverts alike, this online platform facilitates connections. Meet interesting people by joining a LinkedIn group. Follow the career progress of people in your network. See who might know someone at that company for which you’re dying to work.
Before attending a networking event, check out the profiles of people you might encounter. You’ll get a leg up on remembering names and faces, and knowing a bit about someone can help spur topics of conversation.
Make bond-building a routine.
Asking a friend for help or advice feels much more comfortable than suddenly approaching someone you barely know. Consistently strengthen ties with acquaintances so that interaction with them becomes natural rather than forced. Set regular coffee dates, send a birthday card, pass along articles on a subject of mutual interest—actions that will keep you in contact throughout the year, not just when you need something.
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Author: Beth Braccio Hering