Networking is a multi-use power tool in business.
You can use it in:
Positioning yourself for a promotion, as in partner or head of an administrative unit
Job search
New business development
Introducing a new practice
Gaining access to resources.
But, too many businesspeople, especially those over-50, fail in the process.
That's because you don't understand that networking is a form of horsetrading. Before you enter that space you have to know what you have to trade. And, what's the market for that particular horse.
Otherwise you can be perceived as a pest - or overreacher. And, wind up being shunned.
The prerequisite in networking is to first take an audit of what you could trade. You calculate all that based on your knowledge of both human nature and the needs/wants of particular groups and individuals. What you find out becomes your inventory. As in all businesses, you have to keep that inventory fresh. Toss what's out of date.
The trading process can start out on a very simple basis.
You make it your business to participate in professional online networks. They range from LinkedIn to specialized groups.
What is proving especially effective is trading your time to "like" and leave thoughtful comments in order to get the attention of those whom are useful to meet. Such action enhances their branding and they know it. Soon enough, they are checking your profile or even messaging.
Another easy way in is to launch your own media sites. Those are perfect for linking to them, telling their stories and featuring them in interviews. The vehicles to use are growing in number. They include:
Podcasts
YouTube
Paid Newsletters such as Substack or Ghost
Blogs.
You could also develop relationships (again, through networking) with third-party media. Through that connection you can gain attention for those who are necessary for your career. What is published in third-party media can have greater reach than what's on your own platforms.
There are also more imaginative ways to acquire assets for trading.
At the top of the list is to take advantage of what is known as "the power of weak ties."
In the 1970s, researcher Mark Granovetter discovered that more professional opportunities come through those you know casually versus the supposed key members of your professional network.
That's because of three reasons.
They know what you and those on your professional networks don't know. For example, the nurse at the hospital which you're trying to add as a client is aware it's unhappy with the current vendor. Or, the security guard in retail can tell you about a not-advertised job opening in human resources.
Since they are not competing with you, they will share that information. Even within your own organization you and your colleagues are in competition. It isn't in their self-interest to help you, unless they do that as part of their own networking.
They have down cold the lay of the land. As insiders, they can advise you how to approach the opportunity.
What should be obvious to you is that the trade game is easier with the weak-tie group. The classic example is the strategy of family ties. Your children play with their children. Another classic source of trading is being available for providing generic insight derived from your own expertise. The nurse is considering opening a healthcare placement agency. You explain the forms of business structures.
Another option for piling up assets to trade is through multiple sources of earning income. Your playing field is broadened. MarketWatch reported on full-time lawyer Kevin Ha. He has 13 side hustles. They include delivering food. There are plenty of people he can network with along the way. The caution there is how to manage all those identities. This article discusses "mutt branding."
Having a broad base of entities to trade puts you in a place of strength. You can enter any niche and know you have what is of value to others.
That's exactly why the most successful networkers don't have rigid boundaries. Or settle into a single sphere of influence. Here, a free read, is my book on exiting comfort zones. In the new normal of a COVID-19 shaped economy, there is no settling in.
The work world has become unforgiving. You may be among those who have to reimagine your career. Affordable coaching. Make an appointment for complimentary consultation (janegenova374@gmail.com)
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