The Best Networking Advice No One Ever Tells You
You often hear me say that your network is one of your most important assets for driving business (next to your community of course. And while there may be some overlap, your network and community are utilized in different ways.) Similarly, your network and your village also may have some overlap....but they are distinct groups as well.
This week we're talking a lot about your networking and your village---and why both are incredibly important. Growing your network is only half the battle, knowing how to utilize it to your benefit, AND reciprocate is the other half.
While it is obvious to ask people for coffee lunch, drinks etc. sometimes the etiquette surrounding the ask and the follow through can be a bit murky. Check out the best business advice no one ever hares---and make it a goal try it out as soon as next week.
First and foremost, start with your career goals. What do you hope to achieve in the next 1, 3, or 5 years? Figure this out and then...
Ask yourself who can help you. Don't just ask anyone. Take a good look at your goals and really be strategic. Then look at your connections and reach out first to those you believe can help you achieve these goals. Be specific with your ask.
Know your worth. Once you understand your unique value proposition, what YOU bring to the table, and how you can help others, it makes it easier to network in a way that doesn't feel self-serving and allows you to reciprocate.
Ask questions. When you meet with a contact, new or old, ask questions, open-ended ones. Get a clear understanding of what this person does so that you are asking them for the right support AND so that you can help them when the time comes. You want your relationship to benefit both of you.
Listen. Really listen. This allows you to be more thoughtful and strategic about who is in your network and how you can ask them to help you in an appropriate way.
Have a “next step” plan. Don't leave a networking meeting without verbalizing your next steps. It could be as simple as asking for an introduction. It could also be more involved like a second meeting to gain more knowledge on a specific topic. But this is how you move the needle forward, achieve goals and support others in doing the same.
Say thank you and always follow up. Simply put, this is just common sense. While it shouldn't need to be said, you would be shocked at how many people forget this part.
Move your closest “allies” into your village. Later this week I'll share the differences between your network and your village. But, through your networking meetings, identify your biggest supporters and consider them a part of your village. These are your closest confidants and a group that you know always has your back.
These tips and the best practices of networking never go out of style. Make sure you save them as a reminder when you are working to expand your network and build your village. For more, make sure you’re following @lindsaypinchuk on Instagram.
