Networking isn’t a numbers game…

…it’s about making a meaningful connection with someone you can learn from, who in turn can teach you new things. Unfortunately, this makes networking suddenly seem more intimidating.

When talking about networking in coaching session people often regard networking as professional coffee chats, they don´t know whom to contact and how to prepare for networking, all reasons for not getting started at all.

Let´s look into these topics;  the why, the how and the what of networking.

There are many good reasons for networking - here are the five most important ones at a glance:

Professional exchange with like-minded people ...:

Develop yourself professionally and exchange ideas with contacts who know what they are talking about. Use your network to present yourself as an expert. This can be an advantage later on when looking for a job. Read more about personal branding here.

... but also with people from outside the field: business networks, groups and events are welcome opportunities to exchange knowledge and get to know new areas as well as new contacts. See the exchange as further education: Maybe you can draw insights for your daily work or exciting and interesting projects or cooperations with other networkers can arise.

Mutual support and job exchange: Contacts arise from this exchange of expertise. Networking is about give and take - so don't be afraid to share your knowledge and offer your support. When you exchange with others, they can recommend you, just as you in turn pass on information and refer among your contacts. This way, you will be remembered when your expertise is in demand or there is an exciting vacancy that you fit.

Also, networking is good for self-confidence. Contacting strangers and exchanging ideas with them is the highest form of networking. Practice makes perfect: You don't have to be perfect from the start.

If you network actively, you will soon discover that contacting people from the most diverse fields and with the most diverse points of view can also be a lot of fun. Because at events in particular - depending on the occasion - it's the casual conversations that bring contacts together.

Let´s continue to make networking less intimidating and let´s spend more time learning how to network.

Take time to practice having conversations and practice your listening skills.
If you do not feel confident, start with friends, with close colleagues, once you feel good, reach out to those people you’ve lost touch with over the years, (and rebuild some great relationships in the process.) And then start to build your network strategically.
Networking is key to creating job opportunities and growing your career potential.

But if you’re just starting, you’ve moved cities, or you have had a break from the workforce, you might not be sure where to begin to build an active network. Start building your LinkedIn network with people you know, and it will gradually increase over time. Participate by liking and sharing posts and articles and follow industries, influencers, and organizations that interest you. Before you know it, you’ll find people are sending invitations to connect with you.

How to build a network?

Try these simple tips to connect with the right people and start a new circle of professional relationships.

Start with who you know
Even if you’re starting from scratch, you’ll be surprised at how many contacts you already have. Sit down and make a list of all the people you can think of from your colleagues and clients to friends, neighbours and college professors. Think of what connections you might be able to make.

Commit to connect
Decide that one of your first goals is to do something positive every day to reach out and build your network. This can range from following up contacts from meetings, trade fairs or conferences, checking in with LinkedIn connections or old colleagues and clients. Keep an eye out for professional courses and conferences where you can make new contacts.

Join your college or university alumni club
Most colleges have alumni clubs, often with national or international reach. Find out if there’s a chapter in your town and join in the various club activities. There is a range of events from professional speakers, to social or sporting.  It’s a natural fit for networking, as you’re all starting with something in common.

Join an industry or professional group
Most industries have professional associations. Connect with your local group and find out what they have to offer. Chances are they will run learning and development opportunities, lunches and dinners and maybe a directory.

The main point is not adding a lot of people to your network but the right ones, meaning you need to continue building your network strategically.  Take a step back ask yourself where do I need to expand my network. Whom do I need to have in my network? Who could be my mentor in a specific area?

Now let´s look into the how to network, below are some tips to make your one-on-one networking even more effective.

1.       Have a point to the meeting
A networking meeting is more likely to be effective if it’s clear why it’s happening. Are you looking for a mentor, or a new position? Has the person been recommended to you? Maybe you’re new in town and looking to connect with peers. If it’s a get-to-know-you meeting, it’s okay to talk about common interests like books, movies, or sports. For this even have your elevator speech prepared. Find some tips how to prepare your elevator pitch here.

2.       Be strategic
Do your research and identify leaders that you really want to connect with. Be clear about where you want to be in a year, five years’ time and seek out the people who can help you get there. Part of the point of networking is not just the people you meet, but the people they know who can help you grow your own network. If you have changed jobs, sectors, or towns, connecting with the right people can help you hit the ground running.

3.       Make it mutually beneficial
A networking meeting isn’t just about what you can get out of the other person – there has to be some benefit for them, too. Think about what you can offer. What are your special skills or connections? Do you have acquaintances or experiences in common? Pay the other person the respect of doing some background research so you know where they’re from, and what their career path and big projects have been. To prepare for this part take a further look in to storytelling to prepare a compelling speech, find more tips here.

4.       Respect time
Remember this person has made time for you in their day. Be respectful of that and keep to the agreed time (don’t be late!). Don’t hog the conversation, and make sure the meeting doesn’t go over time, unless the other person is keen to keep talking. Give them your business card, but don’t hand over your resume unless it’s requested.

5.       Remember your manners
Be polite during your meeting and remember to follow up within twenty-four hours with a brief email thanking them for taking time out to talk. If you committed to sending an article or book refence, remember to follow up. You want this first meeting to set the tone for a future meaningful relationship. Connect on LinkedIn.

Often people complain about networking and state that they are not good in small talk. Why not change the approach here? Don’t think small talk, think about getting to know people and prepare some questions upfront. Instead of asking what do you do? Ask what keeps you busy? I often use my home town as an introduction and link it either to the Octoberfest, the FC Bayern Munich, BMW or the Alpes depending on the person I talk to. So, my sentence is I am from Munich the home of FC Bayern. Where are you from. In adding this little extra information I invite my counterpart to react.

I personally do not like the word networking for me I am weaving a net of opportunities and I never talk about networking when I approach someone, it is a touch base or an exchange of thoughts.

Don´t forget to find a mentor when building up your network and at the same time think whom you can mentor as well.

The right mindset, a strategically build network and some preparation for the evens are the magic formula to build your net or opportunities with ease and confidence. Networking does not need to be intimidating and it is for sure more than professional coffee drinking. Once you realize this networking will become a natural routine.

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