Networking 101

Yesterday, I talked about discovering that my network is more diverse than I think it is.  That reminded me, again, of the importance of networking and how so many of us don’t think we’re very good at it.

It has a kind of slimy connotation, doesn’t it?

Networking.

All those people handing out business cards and chatting with spurious energy the whole time their eyes are scanning the room for somebody better to approach, somebody with more “contacts.” <shudder>

I think we lose a lot of time and a lot of fun and a lot of valuable relationships because of that view of “networking.” My dread of the process began to disappear when somebody pointed me toward  Keith Ferrazzi‘s Never Eat Alone.  I wish they’d given it to me when I was in college (except it hadn’t been written then).

You can find some of Mr. Ferrazzi’s tips and suggestions on his website, but basically, he talks in the book about building your network before you need it and about how you should really be trying to find the ways you can help the people in your network.

Try going to your next event looking for a way to help the next person you meet.

Think about it.

It gets the focus off you, so you won’t be so nervous–if you’re given to those kind of nerves.  It guides your conversation–which, if you are a person who hates small talk–is invaluable.  It not only guides your small talk, it makes it bigger.  (Whew!) The connection will be more meaningful if you bring something to it.

Never Eat Alone is one of those life changing books.  If you’re a natural extrovert, maybe you don’t need it.  I, on the other hand, found it invaluable.

I’ve got a pretty good network in spite of congenital shyness.  But if I’d known then. . .my niece would really have been impressed!