How do I build my network?
The Art of Networking: Elevate Your Leadership with Genuine Connections
Networking is often shrouded in misconceptions. People think of it as a complex chore, a means to an end. But I'd like to debunk that myth right now. Networking, in its purest form, is fairly simple.
1. Energizing Connections Over Quantity
Firstly, spend time only with people you genuinely like. This might sound basic, but it’s pivotal. I've always believed that we shouldn't work or be close to individuals who drain our energy. Instead, it’s about investing time in those who invigorate and inspire us. True networking is built on genuine interest in another person as a human being and not just as a representative of their company.
2. Understand, Appreciate, and Let Them Shine
Once you've established a genuine human connection, it's essential to recognize the professional. What exactly is this person doing inside of their company? By understanding their role, you can pose questions that allow them to exhibit their expertise and passion.
For instance, if you’re engaging with someone from finance, and you discover they're an Excel maestro, dive deeper. Ask, "How do you manage those complex Excel functions? Can you share some tips?" This kind of inquiry not only broadens your knowledge but also lets them shine. They feel valued, and in return, you build a connection grounded in mutual respect and admiration.
Listening, in this context, becomes more than just a passive act. It's a powerful tool, an underrated superpower that everyone, especially those pursuing leadership, should harness.
3. Consistent Communication is Key
Maintaining a connection isn't about daily messages or overwhelming someone with constant check-ins. It's about regular, meaningful interactions. I personally keep a list of people I want to remain connected with and set reminders to engage with them. This can be as simple as a bi-weekly check-in or even a semi-annual catch-up. The frequency isn't as crucial as the consistency and intentionality.
4. Value in Small Gestures
Sometimes, it's the minor gestures that leave the most significant impact. Picture this: a two-minute coffee machine conversation can lead to a stronger bond if followed up with a thoughtful gesture. A short "thank you" email or message expressing gratitude for a shared idea can go a long way. Remember to loop them into intriguing articles you come across, podcast episodes that remind you of a shared interest, or any content that fosters deeper discussions.
Happy networking!
Transcript
Networking is fairly simple.
Number one
Spend only time with people you like. I don't like to work and be close to people that suck energy from me. It's about spend time with people you get energy from build networks and truly being interested in the person as the human being and not as the person inside of the company.
The second part
What is the person doing inside of the company?
If you ask question and you want to get closer to a person that is working in finance. You ask question and try to understand what they're doing and ask questions what is their superpower maybe there are the best person in Excel. Ask them a question hey, how does it work with Excel? Can you explain me this? So that they can shine in what they're doing. They're feeling attracted to you because you're listening to them listening is a superpower, everyone should learn specifically, if you are getting towards a leadership career.
I have a list of people I want to stay connected to and I have a To-Do reminder to talk to that person. I do this in person life as well, where I say I want to talk every two weeks with a specific person and then it pops up. If I didn't talk to that person. For me, it's not about the day when I get the popup that I should talk to that person. It's more about did I talk to this person, Let's say a friend or the person inside of the organization the last two weeks, Yes or no? No, I didn't. Okay. I need to plan a meeting. Let's reach out to that person and sometimes. Two weeks. Sometimes it's one week, sometimes it's four weeks. Sometimes it's half a year.
Spending two minutes with a person on a coffee machine and then sending them a thank you note afterwards in email or in Microsoft-teams. Say hey thank you. I really like that thought. And then putting this person into your to-do list. And after four weeks of saying, hey. I was thinking about this, or you read an article, you sent them an article, you listen to a podcast episode, and then you sent them the podcast episode.