How to network-Part 1

You hate to network, but you need to network. It’s like medicine and will help you.

Networking is often the most underutilized and underrated action one can take to broaden his or her perspective, extend one’s personal brand and connect to others in a meaningful way. A few years ago, my role was eliminated at a company I worked at for over 13 years. I was not prepared for this change and I had no idea where and how to start looking for my next role. And I wasn’t alone. Along with my role being eliminated, nearly 100 co-workers of mine were now former employees as well and on the job market.

Most of us were not prepared for this circumstance. We didn’t have a clear path on where to start in managing our job search. As a result, we were confusing motion with progress and spent a lot of time on LinkedIn and employer job boards. This only led to increased frustration during an already stressful time. After a lot of unproductive days hunting job boards, and countless hours applying to job sites that asked me to submit everything that was on my resume I just uploaded, I realized that I needed more momentum. I ditched the job boards, and started spending time on networking strategically.

 As a result, I met new, amazing people. I got interviews at target companies quickly. I learned a lot more about my industry. And most importantly, I determined my next career move and happily started the next chapter of my career, feeling more confident than before.

Whether you have separated with an employer or are proactively looking for a change, you need to network.

If you are happy as a clam in your current role and are simply looking for ways to broaden your professional circle, you need to network.

If you are creating your own business, and looking for leads, you need to network.

My first tip for you, specifically if you dread the idea of networking (like I did), is to replace the word networking with “connection.” Connection is ultimately a fundamental human desire we have (after we are fed and clothed). And the truth is, that regardless of your profession that you are leaving or starting, you are first and foremost a human with a limited time on this planet, and who needs people.

Your legacy is about who you impact. And all that starts with how connected you feel to greater humanity. So, while you’re looking on the job market, you may be thinking, “I just need to find a job.” I say to you, that this is the perfect time to expand your connections and make meaningful choices on what work means to you and your future possibilities.

You will spend more time at work (with peers, clients, etc.) than you likely will with family members, pets and your children. Being in a place, or having professional connections where you believe your contributions are appreciated, and you enjoy the people you’re around makes an impact on your entire life. So networking, and work is an opportunity not only to connect with others, but also to connect to yourself, because when we are in environments where we feel aligned with our values, we show up as the truest versions of ourselves. 

Here’s why:

-       If done right, networking, or connecting can help you feel a sense of collaboration and unity.

-       When you take the time to block your day with strategic networking meetings, you are intentional and productive with your day, and that will lead to a sense of accomplishment.

-       Through networking, you will undoubtedly meet interesting people and as a result, enhance your own knowledge base on topics relevant to your industry and your life.

-       You will expand the possibilities you have for yourself; through networking I made the decision to create my own “job description” and ultimately defined my next move based on the inspirational dialog I had on my networking calls.

So I hope you’re moving one step closer to getting comfortable with the idea of networking as strategic connecting. In the next few blogs and podcasts, I will share specific tips and scripts on how to network (aka connect).