Networking — New Opportunities

Came across this great little article this morning on tips for networking (http://www.linkedin.com/today/post/article/20131001013540-6200057-4-ways-to-make-your-networking-more-meaningful?trk=tod-home-art-list-large_0)

So many people are not comfortable with ‘networking’ and feel that it is something they MUST DO – painful as they find it. While I am a huge advocate of networking, to be successful it has to come naturally. You really must want to meet people and know why you want to meet them. Going to a networking event just for the sake of going gets you nowhere. How many times have you attended an event and came away with nothing more than a belly full of cheap wine and greasy hors d’oeuvres? Going to the event with the thought that you are going to meet one or two people with whom you connect, have something in common and may forge a relationship is best.

Also, don’t think of networking only in terms of those ‘events’ you go to. There’s nothing worse in my mind than a ‘networking event’ where people are passing around business cards like candy and getting nowhere. Everything is so forced unless it is done exceptionally well – and how many of those have you ever attended?

The key to successful networking? Don’t think of it as a job. Don’t think of it as something you must do. Don’t force it. Live it and breathe it each and every day in everything you do. Everything you do has the potential to be an opportunity to meet someone, to add someone to your contacts and to be a valuable part of your network.

Keep your eyes open to the potential. Take baby steps at first if you are unsure. Don’t necessarily focus on the ‘networking events’ but instead focus on your everyday life. Focus on the people you already know. Don’t be afraid to speak to people you don’t know. I have met the most interesting people in lines at the theatre, watching my sons play hockey and football, waiting for a coffee or even waiting at the washroom line-up (and we all know how long those lines are for women)!

Look for commonalities. Don’t be afraid to reach out to folks in your network for introductions. And, as the article says, don’t just start with ‘what do you do?’ How boring….especially if someone is in transition. Use an icebreaker. Think of something that is important to you or something you’ve both just seen or attended.

Make networking a regular part of your day!