Do You Suffer From Networking Nervousness?

By Sharon Thomas DeLay
When you hear the word networking, what’s the first thought or feeling you have?

The answers I often hear include:
• I don’t even know where to begin with networking!
• It’s a very gray area for me.
• I’m not sure where the line is between networking and being pushy.
• It’s scary.

I share these answers with you not to dissuade you from implementing your own networking strategy, but to do the opposite. These answers came from business owners, and if they’re uncertain of where to start, isn't it encouraging to know that anyone can start networking at any point in life and be successful at it?

Successful networking can be distilled into a few key concepts.
• Networking is not selling or asking for something; it’s about building relationships and giving back.
• You don’t have to approach complete strangers (cold calling) in order to do “real” networking. Start with people you already know or through trusted referrals (warm calling.)
• Have a plan. Identify specifically what you need to accomplish with networking and then create a list of people to contact who can get you to your end result within a few steps. (This is known, nearly universally, as the six degrees of separation concept.)
• You just have to do it. There are a million reasons and excuses to keep you from starting networking. Every one of them can be overcome and logically eliminated. Every one of them can also easily become overwhelming and suddenly make perfect sense.
• Be patient. Rome wasn’t built in a day and neither are relationships.
• Remember that networking is about giving back. It’s as simple as saying, at the end of a conversation with someone, “Now, what can I do for you?” and meaning it! (Oh, and for Pete’s sake, follow through on whatever you commit to doing or you lose all credibility.)

One way I often encourage people to get started is to ease into networking with just two contacts and attempt to get two more leads from each connection forward. It’s a strategy nearly anyone can do. Networking yields superior results in job searching and should be the central part of your marketing strategy.

Sharon DeLay is a certified career coach with the goal of helping people find jobs they love and love the jobs they have. Visit www.boldlygocoaching.com or e-mail Sharon@boldlygocoaching.com for more information or to subscribe to her twice weekly blog or twice monthly ezine. (c) 2010 BoldlyGO Professional Development Services