DeSocial Connector: Professional Networking Is About Mutual Conversation, It Is Not About The Transaction

Tuesday, October 18, 2022

Professional Networking Is About Mutual Conversation, It Is Not About The Transaction

You hear this a lot, even from me! “You should be networking more.”

If the thought of networking makes your eyes roll, your heart race, or your stomach churn, maybe a change of perspective can help. Think about it, would you be willing to take the chance and step outside your comfort zone if you thought you could build a mutually beneficial relationship and help the other person just as much as he/she could help you?

Many of us are so caught up in our own circumstances and desires that we fail to stop and consider how we might be able to add value, contribute, or help the other person also.

So here are four quick tips to make the most of Professional Networking:

- Strong relationships take time. Let go of the expectation that one conversation or one meeting is all you need. Relationships evolve over time and require tending. Invest appropriate time and energy with your connections to cultivate trust, reliability, and mutual respect.

- Successful relationships involve give and take. Networking relationships are no different. While you may have time-sensitive needs, remember that the other person likely has some needs too. Don’t get too caught up in your own agenda that you forget to ask thoughtful, open-ended questions of your new connection to learn about his/her journey and current challenges.

- Healthy relationships grow and evolve. In our personal lives, we don’t expect brand new acquaintances to do big favors for us or fulfill significant requests. The same goes for new professional contacts.

- Good relationships require patience. The old saying “timing is everything” is also true when networking. Be mindful that people have a variety of demands on their time and are often juggling multiple priorities. Nobody ever said networking was easy, but it most definitely can be worth it when you focus on the relational aspects of meeting new people and expanding your network.