Let’s face it, no man is an island. Sure, we can be independent and get along on our own. But life is so much richer when we are engaged with other people. And if we have the right kind of relationships and know how to leverage them, opportunities to help and be helped abound. Before you write off networking as “not for you,” let’s take a look at some common networking myths.
Myth 1: Networking is “old school.”
Research indicates that good, old-fashioned networking is on the rise. In fact , a survey by Robert Half International found that almost half of the respondents are doing more networking today than they did three years ago. And no doubt, our connections are more crucial in these economic times of uncertainty.
Today, more than ever before, we have the opportunity to network both in person and virtually. So while the avenues for effective networking may be shifting or simply growing, the skill set is very much alive and well.
Myth 2: You only need to network if you’re an entrepreneur, business owner, salesperson or job-hunter.
The key to being really successful at networking is to not wait until you need to network to start doing it. Sure, if you find yourself in the unenviable position of looking for a job, you will want to network. But if this is the first time in your life that you decide to put effort into building and cultivating your network, you will be woefully “behind the eight ball” with your efforts.
While networking is usually associated with career success, a good networker reaps many other rewards. These include developing friendships, being in the know, and having connections that can benefit your personal life in countless ways. Need to know the name of a good doctor who specializes in pediatrics? Want the latest on the construction project downtown? Or maybe you want the name of a really good organic restaurant in the city?
Myth 3: Networking is only for extroverts (or only extroverts are good at networking).
Networking may, on the surface, appear easier for the extrovert simply because the energy of a group of strangers sits better with the gregarious extrovert. But that is not to say that introverts cannot be great networkers as well.
Success in networking depends more on your strategy than on your personality. For example, if an introvert is a bit overwhelmed by a sea of faces, a successful strategy may be for the introvert to have some more personal one-on-one conversations off to the side and away from the group energy. In addition, introverts by nature are usually better at listening. And who doesn’t like to be listened to? So as an introvert, find the strategies and skills that work for you and leverage them to build your networking acumen.
Myth 4: You should attend as many networking events as possible.
All networking opportunities are not created equally. Quality is much more important than quantity when it comes to networking. In fact, many of the best networking events are not labeled as such. Networking takes place at industry conferences where like-minded people gather to learn and share information.
And networking can take place anywhere, not just at events or functions. You can network at church, at the gym or even at the grocery store. Look for opportunities to engage others and have conversations. The reality is that most will not change your life, but the practice of connecting with others is a skill set that will always be valuable.
Myth 5: Networking is about getting what you need.
Many people think of networking as a means to an end. A better job, more clients or perhaps some personal or professional brand-building. Not to say that there aren’t real and tangible results from good networking, but you will short-change your outcomes by having a “me-mentality.”
The best networkers have one thing in common. They look for ways, and often go out of their way, to help others. They consciously or subconsciously understand the Law of Reciprocity. They know that if they do good by other people, things will come around to help them in return. So they’re not afraid to step forward first and offer a helping hand. We could all be wise to follow their lead and see what karma brings back to us.
To hear more about networking from a panel of pros, join us for our next Ask The Expert program, “Networking Unplugged”. It’s free, but you do need to register now!
