by Una Hearne.
Really?
I don’t think anyone actually hates networking.
Controversial!
I think the fact that most people say they hate it comes from a misunderstanding about what networking is. Most of us agree that networking is a key part of most aspects of work, from getting a job or starting a business, to gaining promotion or new clients. But what do we really mean by networking?
The truth is networking events have their place, it is a way to meet new people in an appropriate environment but they are not where most networking happens. Networking is not an event. It is something we do naturally all the time in any situation. I define networking as talking to any other human being in any situation.
If you look at all the situations where business gets done, where ideas are formed, where people find work and deals are made, you begin to realise that these things happen in all sorts of places and in all sorts of ways. The one thing they all have in common is people communicating with each other. Sharing information, ideas, sharing what they are looking for and helping other people to get what they want. You already do it.
If you think about networking you will also realise there is no ‘secret’ to communicating with other people. We are all different and good communication takes many forms. You will find it easier to talk to and connect with some people than others. I don’t think that’s a secret is it? Some people are better than others at communicating in specific situations. Everyone is good at communicating in some situations. Everyone gets better with practice. Some people enjoy it for its own sake, some for the outcome. Some people like it one to one and some people enjoy it in groups. If you have some understanding of how different types of people communicate you can communicate better with everyone, authentically in your own way.
If you start with what you enjoy and is comfortable for you, you can develop your networking skills and branch out and meet new people and try new situations. I think it is possible for everyone to love networking if they do it their way. Like life really.
