Day 11: Consider different forms of networking. This post is part of Forbes’ Career Challenge: Build Stronger Relationships In 15 Days.
If you prefer in-person networking meetings, but the person you wish to meet prefers phone calls, you can probably concede that it would be worthwhile for you to propose connecting by phone. However, what if you don’t know what the person prefers? Furthermore, what if you have always done in-person meetings, so live is less a preference and more a default? Finally, what if a scheduled meeting is your ideal next step, but the other person has other ideas?
There is no one-size-fits-all approach to networking. Not everyone likes to connect in the same way, in the same frequency or about the same things. You also have a finite amount of time and need to make tradeoffs about where to spend it. Finally, your goals and needs change, as do those of your network. For these practical reasons, you need to embrace different forms of networking. Here are four ways to add variety to your networking and improve the productivity of your efforts.
Being social doesn’t have to mean social media—mix online and offline approaches.
While you can make deeper connections with live meetings, social platforms make it easy to reach multiple people at a single time and stay up-to-date with people no matter where they are located. Phone and video calls provide a good middle ground—they offer more contact than an online exchange, but can be easily fit into a busy schedule. The point is to network both online and offline. For relationships you want to expand and deepen, find out what the other person's preferences are and flex your networking options accordingly.
Go big and go small—mix up the size of your networking events.
A one-on-one meeting allows you to focus 100% on the other person. On the flip side, a conference, professional association event or even a social party you host for professional colleagues allow you to still get some live interaction while allowing your networking efforts to scale. Big events can be useful for both building up your network and trying to meet a specific person for the first time—cold calling for a one-on-one meeting is much more difficult than running into a person at an event where they are presenting.
Stop repeating yourself—change the reasons you reach out.
Whether you network online or offline, in a group or one-on-one, you need to have something to say and contribute to the discussion. If what you say is all about you and your job search (or business), then you risk annoying and alienating your network. This doesn’t mean you can’t ask for help—whether ideas, information, referrals or leads—from your network. You just don’t want to only be doing that. Instead, focus on the other person and don’t ask for something in return. Such generous, noncommittal outreach may include:
- Saying thank you (i.e., "Thank you for the insights you shared during your presentation at X Conference.")
- Offering congratulations (i.e., "Congratulations on the well-received presentation!")
- Sharing a status update (i.e., "I tried out what you advised and this happened…")
- Sending an idea (i.e., "Here’s an article about how trend Y is impacting your field.")
- Making a referral (i.e., "Your talk would be great for Group Z. I know one of the organizers and can make an e-intro.")
- Wishing someone a happy holiday (just steer clear of Valentine’s Day).
You could connect to someone every other month for a year and never repeat yourself if you mix your messages.
Get outside—expand your networking efforts beyond your inner circle.
As you mix up how you network and what you say, don’t forget to vary who you connect with. Maintain a varied network to avoid getting too specialized or insular inside and outside your functional area, company and industry. It’s also important to know people at different levels—both senior and junior to you. Different people will have different perspectives, information and ideas.
Getting outside your inner circle stretches your comfort zone. But being a little bit uncomfortable when you’re networking is actually a sign that you’re mixing it up enough. Otherwise, you risk getting stuck in a rut—same people, same topics, same types of events, same venues or same platforms. If you need a reminder, schedule a quarterly appointment on your calendar as a prompt. You can include check-in questions, such as:
- Who do I need to reconnect with in the next 90 days?
- Did I follow up with everyone I made promises to?
- Did I thank everyone who passed on ideas, information or leads?
- Are there events I should attend?
- Is my network supportive and enjoyable?
- What can I do differently?
Ready for the next challenge? Click here for Day 12: Step out of your comfort zone.
Miss a challenge? Click here for Day 10: Make human connections in the digital age.
