Are You Actively Networking?
Curt Skene’s In2Win! Career Coaching Supplement.
Many executives I meet enter career transition with a limited network. They never needed one in the past and they desperately need one now. So from the very beginning (even if you’re presently employed) make a commitment to grow your network and to grow it fast.
Often, executives believe networking is simply about showing up; but going through the motions nets you little. When you are active in networking your eyes are wide open, you are driven to meeting new people and rekindling old connections… all to gain new opportunities. Brilliant networkers look to give value first because they understand the power of reciprocity and they see every interaction as a place of possibility.
Active networking means meeting new people, keeping your relationships fresh, planning who you want to meet, where they might be and what to say once you meet them. Look for ways to create a powerful and positive first impression so everyone is drawn in to see the value of getting to know you better. Be keenly aware that a phone call is more powerful than an email and a face-to-face conversation is always the best.
When you attend group meetings make it a habit to book a one-on-one session prior to and/or just after, to get to know a few of the attendees that much better. Finally, be wary of joining “victim” groups because all of your energy will be sucked out through their negative way of seeing the world.
Your next opportunity is likely connected to someone you already know, or someone they know. Build relationships, not lists.
Why I Wrote This Page
Because giving first creates a genuine sense of obligation in another person, not just good manners, a real, well-documented psychological response. Networking that’s purely extraction, asking for help without ever offering it, quietly fails even when no one ever says why.
This is the principle of reciprocity, and it’s one of the most reliable dynamics in human relationships. People who receive something genuine, an introduction, useful information, real help, feel a natural pull to return it. Professionals who network well aren’t necessarily more likeable. They’ve simply built a habit of giving value before asking for it, which means the obligation runs in their favor by the time they need something.
Most of what you need is already inside your existing network. The people who could help you most are often just a deeper conversation away, not a stranger you haven’t met yet.
Action Steps
- Before asking anyone in your network for help, find one genuine way to help them first, an introduction, an article, useful information.
- Reconnect with dormant contacts, not just active ones. Some of your best opportunities are sitting in relationships you haven’t touched in years.
- Keep a simple list of who in your network you’ve given to versus asked from. If it’s lopsided toward asking, rebalance it.
In2Win! Afterthought
Curt’s current observations and updated guidance will be added here.
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