There are many reasons why professionals don't network enough. We are all busy, we have family obligations and maybe we are introverts. Of course, we can efficiently plan and connect with others to connect and network
Many of the self-made executives have the toughest time building up a network. These executives feel they have succeeded on their own merits and do not rely on others for their success. They recognise the benefits of networking but they have achieved their current status on their individual efforts and adjusting their mindset is challenging.
The following four efforts can help them understand the benefits and make it something they would enjoy doing.
Understand what networking is and isn't: Many of the self-made people are highly intelligent and they discount this process of networking as something a very dirty and classless interaction. This may be true to some extent but if we were to reframe it as a way of making interesting long term friends, a goal every one of us would love, it becomes more interesting.
identify the people you truly respect: Many of us have concerns about the process of networking - about the people involved, the low-level aspirants swapping visiting cards. We need to understand that there are other professionals we respect who attend these meetings but they may be few and far between.
Hence one may make a wish list one would connect to, clarify their position - author, expert, thought leader, a senior colleague, which will highlight the reason to look forward to networking as you can look forward to making contact with people you wish to work/associate with.
Recognise a lack of networking may be holding you back: All of us understand that networking can be useful but it may not be clear how it would help as you are able to do your regular work without it also. This lack of attention to networking would affect in the long run. As you move up the professional ladder it is useful to know people in diverse fields who can help you develop, showcase your skills. This can happen if you take an active interest in networking and meet interesting people and make contact with them.
Vehicle for networking: A big city offers many opportunities to network. However, even in smaller cities, you can identify strategies to meet interesting people you have identified. Also, you can identify one or two key conferences in a year and concentrate your networking efforts at that time.
You can start building up a meaningful network by applying these strategies in a way that doesn't sound phoney and make networking desirable and an activity that would help you share your skills and be a learning experience as well.
Build a Network — Even When You Don’t Think You Need One
by Dorie Clark HBR February 25, 2020
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