A 2ND LOOK AT PROFESSIONAL NETWORKING

Have you ever wondered why we tend to remain in close contact with people we attended the same Secondary School and University? But most times could barely do so with our former colleagues at our former place of work? Has it ever occurred to you that most times, the deepest friendships and acquaintances we have made in Life were with those whom we know a bit about, shared some level of friendship, and remained familiar for a long period of time? 

In this short piece, I want us to take a second look at Professional Networking, what we might be doing wrong, and how to get it right and make it blossom and better. But first, we should see the definition of networking again, in case we may have forgotten. 

So, what is Networking?

According to an article written for Investopedia;

     “Networking is the exchange of information and ideas among people with a common profession or special interest, usually in an informal social setting. Networking is used by professionals to expand their circles of acquaintances, to find out about job opportunities in their fields, and to increase their awareness of news and trends in their fields or in the greater world. Networking often begins with a single point of common ground.”

A wise man once said, “He who will make friends must show himself friendly”. This phrase is expedient for whoever is interested in making new acquaintances and turning them into networks and some friends.

In his book, ‘How to Win Friends and Influence People’, Dale Carnegie communicated about the power of sincerity, listening, making people genuinely feel interesting instead of trying to impress them during conversations. And I believe in same, that we seem to retain the friendship of people who we genuinely seem interested in, and had provided with some values, no matter how small the measure. And this is basically why we tend to remember our friends in Secondary School and University with fond memories; they genuinely showed interest in us, and us in them at the time. And this is also true for those networks with whom we’ve retained their acquaintances for so many years.

The Investopedia writer continued;

“For professionals, the best networking opportunities may occur at trade shows, seminars, and conferences, which are designed to attract a large crowd of like-minded individuals. Some people find effective networking opportunities in a college alumni group, a church or synagogue social group, or a private club. There are also online location for people to engage with other professionals, join groups, post blogs, and share information.

Networking helps a professional keep up with current events in the field, and develops relationships that may boost future business or employment prospects. Needless to say, it also provides opportunities to help other people find jobs, make connections and catch up on the news.”

It is easier to approach a stranger and start a conversation than to turn the stranger to an acquaintance. What makes the stranger remain an acquaintance is by providing value, instead of trying to “use” the new acquaintance to further one’s pursuit.

When you meet people you may like to network with, be genuinely interested in them and knowing them. These days, many of us just want to “network” solely on the hope of getting something from our new connect, forgetting that this new connect needs help too. This is why this new age “networking” doesn’t seem to work again.

Psychologically, we are always eager to help someone when we remember how they made us genuinely feel like a friend more than those who pretended and only faked the smiles. 

The next time you go out to events to network, or you are on Social Media talking with strangers and hoping to make an acquaintance of them, try to remember this.