Tweet

Down with Networking!

Guest post by: Elizabeth Freedman

Article Overview: Networking is probably one of the toughest and most important aspects of the job search..not to mention our careers and overall professional development. Unfortunately, it’s also one of the most hated, misunderstood and, consequently, poorly practiced areas in our careers, too, which is probably why many of us dread networking altogether. Still, like it or not, we simply must do it. It’s too difficult to land a job, an internship, or a new client today without networking.

Down with Networking!

Networking is probably one of the toughest and most important aspects of the job search..not to mention our careers and overall professional development. Unfortunately, it's also one of the most hated, misunderstood and, consequently, poorly practiced areas in our careers, too, which is probably why many of us dread networking altogether. Still, like it or not, we simply must do it. It's too difficult to land a job, an internship, or a new client today without networking. However, there is good networking and bad networking. In fact, today you'll read many articles that declare networking passe, out-of-date, or yesterday's news, because networking often seems artificial and unsophisticated by today's more savvy professionals. This is because of some of the images we all have of networking - where we call up someone we've never met to ask them for an informational interview or for coffee, for instance - seem forced and artificial.

Worse, networking gets a bad rap because people don't respect the time and effort of the person on the other end. Here's one scenario: A sales rep contacts an alumna from his business school and speaks to her about her company, a place where he'd really like to build relationships and, ultimately, make a sale. The alumna spends 20 minutes of her time over the phone with the sales rep, and tells him that, unfortunately, they don't have a need for the particular product at this particular time. The sales rep, dejected, hangs up, and eventually moves on to the next prospect. In the meantime, he's never sent her so much as a thank you note. That's impolite, and gives all of us networkers a bad rap.

Networking is also uncomfortable because we're approaching people we often don't know very well and asking them for something without necessarily giving something in return. We think, "What could I possibly offer Mr. Manager at Company X? I'm just a poor business school student/unemployed job-seeker/desperate sales rep. No matter how lowly on the totem pole you may feel you reside, you always, always have something to offer in exchange. Let's say you're a student from China - consider offering some unique news or information about how business is done in your country. Provide a link to an article of interest. Offer your own analysis of the company's recent acquisition. You're so smart, you'll think of something to provide, and the sooner you start to view networking as a two-way road, the easier it will start to feel.

Starting now, instead of networking, think of relationship-building - and your new goal is to have as many conversations with as many people as possible. That's it. Unlike some networking, which ends once you've gotten what you want from the relationship (i.e., a job), having conversations with as many people as possible will help you build real, genuine relationships. Think about it: If you were working at a company, would you automatically help someone get a job there that you hardly knew?

By building relationships with people, you help them get to know you and your unique qualities, and you get to know them. By understanding them in a better way, you'll learn more about their company, their job, and - who knows - you may also learn that you actually don't want a job with that company, after all.

When you build relationships to last, rather than one-off networking calls or meetings, you'll have a much greater chance of someone actually passing your resume along to the right people and really going to bat for you than you might have otherwise. And, quite frankly, by demonstrating your interest in someone else for the long haul, you also demonstrate that you're a nice person - something that goes a long way in today's world.

Related Articles
  Networking Mistake Myopia
  Endless Referrals
  Networking Tips for Introverts or How to Break The Ice Without Fear of Falling Through
  NETWORKING ISNT SELLING OR IS IT
  Should you join a networking group?
  The Do’s and Don’ts of Networking
  Business Finance & Networking in the UK
  Sales Reluctance Is Not a Two-Letter Word Named No!
  Recession Proof Networking
  10 Steps for Developing Your INDIVIDUAL NETWORKING PLAN
  Networking: How Much Is \"Networking Dread\" Costing You and What Can You Do About It?
  Are You Confused About Social Networking?
  A New Kind of Networking for Recessionary Times
  The Difference Between Networking and Selling
  Business Networking: Stop Working the Room
  Networking Reluctance Does Not Have to Be Fatal
  Networking Tips from the Networkers Networker
  Using Social Networking Websites to Promote Your Business
  Something you have, not something you do
  5 Tips To Networking Effectively

Article Tags: job search, Networking, relationships, sales



Related Forum Posts
Re: Make Friends...Literally BUILD them! - I agree! Networking is definitely the key word here. What does everyone feel about the different Networking platforms out there? Twitter Facebook LinkedIn what are some others?
Marketing 2012 - I am interested in what works for you in 2012, Social Networking, Search Engine traffic, Blogs, Articles, Forums, what? This is a quote from a 2009 Topic "Twitter, Social Networking, What is your Method? From my experience, social networking traffic (Twitter included) also converts at a far lower rate than search engine traffic. Evan Is this still true, or do you use something that gives us better returns and conversions
Re: How can a social networking site make serious money? - Hi There, It is quite interesting, that some Social Networking do produce an income. I think testimonials are always a benefit to share. See one below: This Social Network has changed my life! Every night is a Friday night and everyday is a Saturday!! Because of it, I have been able to leave the workforce 10 years early.It has given me back my life. Many of us would like to retire early. I am sure there are many more. The point is of focusing with great determination. The ongoing challenge is to stay focussed and not be sidetracked into a newer scheme or so. Also I have read, during this financial turmoil, more people turn to Social Networking for various reasons.
Re: Make Friends...Literally BUILD them! - [quote="burnsrunner":1zobscwk]I agree! Networking is definitely the key word here. What does everyone feel about the different Networking platforms out there? Twitter Facebook LinkedIn what are some others?[/quote:1zobscwk] I am on Twitter and Linkedin, have not joined Facebook yet as my time is fairly limited and one needs a lot of time to devote to all these various networking platforms. Unless you do this full time (the networking I mean). MichelleJ
Re: Marketing 2012 - [quote="drdony":2y0daolc]I am interested in what works for you in 2012, Social Networking, Search Engine traffic, Blogs, Articles, Forums, what? This is a quote from a 2009 Topic "Twitter, Social Networking, What is your Method? From my experience, social networking traffic (Twitter included) also converts at a far lower rate than search engine traffic. Evan Is this still true, or do you use something that gives us better returns and conversions[/quote:2y0daolc] Great question Don! I'll create a video reply!


Share this article with your friends. Fund someone's dream.

Leave a comment below or share on the left and you'll help support entrepreneurs in Africa through our partnership with Kiva. Over $50,000 raised and counting - Please keep sharing! Learn more.

Newsletter

Get advice & tips from famous business
owners, new articles by entrepreneur
experts, my latest website updates, &
special sneak peaks at what's to come!

Name:
Email:

Popular Articles

How To Calculate A Minimum Fee For Your Services

Counselling - Who Needs It?

Qualities of Leadership Part 1

Suggestions

Email us your ideas on how to make our
website more valuable! Thank you Sharon
from Toronto Salsa Lessons / Classes for
your suggestions to make the newsletter
look like the website and profile younger
entrepreneurs like Jennifer Lopez.