But I don’t like networking…

Many people say that, but let me tell you, you are already doing it. Want to master it in any situation with anyone? then read on. As a noun, Network refers to a group or system of interconnected people or things; as a verb, it refers to the interaction with others to exchange information and to develop professional or social contacts.

Networking is about building relationships to grow your network, nothing more, nothing less. It’s an on-going, dynamic, always happening, never ending activity.

Claudia Gomez-Villeneuve once said that networking is like “planting an apple tree”: you water it, trim it, take care of it; one day someone will be hungry and grab an apple: it might be you, or it might be someone else who benefits from what you planted.

Do we do it? When are we comfortable doing it?

Inadvertently WE ALL do it, we share information, we build up relationships; however, we tend to do it with people we feel comfortable talking to, say a friend from elementary school. Do you remember though how unknown of a territory it was that first day at school, or when you had to move to another school where “everyone knew each other”, and you were an outsider? All relationships start with unknowns and curiosity, networking is no different.

When are we REALLY uncomfortable doing it?

It is not a surprise that we feel awkward when we dust off our networking skills during a job search – since it is likely we don’t know the person hiring, and we don’t want to be a burden to someone we know little, or we don’t want to appear as if we only reach out to people when we need them. And this goes too when asking favors, although we seem to be more at ease when we ask on behalf of someone else.

Then, why are we even talking about networking?

We are social beings, we are not isolated, and when it comes to jobs, did you know that:

• 80% of jobs are awarded through network
• 10% are published in on-line job search engines, and
• 10% appear on a company website, where candidates fill in an application?

Imagine having your odds at landing your dream job to 80%!!!??

Is there a formula?

Look at your keyboard

Engage – Make eye contact, smile / The hospitality 10-5 rule
The 10 and 5 Rule suggests that anytime a guest is within ten feet of a staff member, the staff member should make eye contact and warmly smile to acknowledge the oncoming guests. When a staff member is approximately five feet from a guest, a sincere greeting or friendly gesture of acknowledgement should accompany the eye contact and smile.

Strike a conversation with something related to the person, not the weather. “Be (genuinely) curious, what’s next?” (Diana Ionescu). Ask three questions about the person, and listen, if possible, question 2 is a follow up of what you learned in question 1.

Is there something you can do for this person based on what you’ve learned; if you offer something valuable to that person, they would like to reciprocate by doing something for you in return.

Or weave into the conversation your talents or what are you good at? (1-2 minute elevator pitch), including: The value you create + who you’re creating it for + the expected outcome.

For example: I use my passion and expertise in technology to inspire researchers to create drugs to cure rare diseases.

Connect in social media, text them, exchange business cards. Ask for the person’s card and jot down on the back the date, event / place (when you get home write down impressions / notes), or ask the person to write their information on your notepad.

Follow up with a message (within the next week after meeting them: brief reference to event attended, provide any follow up agreed, or simply indicate the desire to stay connected). Be diligent about delivering on what you promised, and continue to nurture the relationship, as if you were growing an apple tree.

Sources: Lynell Ible from Better Leader, Better Life and William Arruda (Ditch, Dare, Do: 3D Personal Branding for Executives)