What do you do if your networking efforts are not yielding strong relationships?
Networking is an essential skill for team leadership, but what happens when your efforts don't result in the strong relationships you're aiming for? It's a common challenge, and the key is to not get discouraged. Instead, focus on reassessing your strategies and making adjustments. Remember, networking is not just about collecting contacts; it's about cultivating meaningful connections that can lead to mutual benefits and growth opportunities. By taking a step back and analyzing your approach, you can identify areas for improvement and refine your tactics to build a more robust professional network.
When your networking efforts aren't paying off, it's time to reassess your goals. Ensure they are specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound (SMART). If your goals are too vague or unrealistic, you may be setting yourself up for disappointment. Reflect on what you aim to achieve through networking, whether it's finding a mentor, learning new industry insights, or creating business opportunities. Adjust your goals to align with your professional aspirations and the type of relationships that are genuinely beneficial for your career.
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Aldinal Rachman, PMP, B.Sc, PMQ, KMP, PSPO, PSM
Business Strategy Consultant | MBA Candidate at Imperial College London | Project Manager in bp
Networking is a two-way interaction Give & take Benefitting each others A relationship will not be strong if only one party gains the benefit from it Hence, it is not enough that we only demand something from our network We also need to consider their needs and how can we offer help For example, we can offer our skill, expertise, time, experience, etc
If your networking isn't yielding the desired results, take a hard look at your approach. Are you attending the right events and participating in relevant groups? Networking is not just about showing up; it's about engaging with others in a meaningful way. Consider whether you're actively listening and showing genuine interest in others, or if you're simply waiting for your turn to speak. By evaluating your approach, you can identify if you need to change your tactics, such as asking more open-ended questions to foster deeper conversations.
Strong networking often requires enhancing certain interpersonal skills. Effective communication, active listening, and empathy are critical for building relationships. If you're struggling to connect with others, consider working on these skills. You might practice by attending workshops or even role-playing networking scenarios with a colleague or friend. Improving these skills can help you leave a more positive and lasting impression on the people you meet, leading to stronger relationships.
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Paul Afolabi
C# Backend Engineer | Java | ASP.NET | ITIL 4 | Microsoft Azure
When networking efforts fail to yield strong relationships, one should re-evaluate his value proposition to potential networks. Professional networking revolves around value delivery and should not be forced. Every professional carries reputational and contingent risks with each new and existing network, emphasizing the need to minimize these risks to the bare minimum.
In an increasingly digital world, leveraging technology can be a game-changer for networking. Use social media platforms to connect with industry leaders and peers. Engage with their content and share your insights to start conversations. Additionally, consider using professional networking sites to showcase your expertise and connect with others in your field. By utilizing technology effectively, you can expand your reach and create opportunities for meaningful interactions that may not be possible through traditional networking alone.
A critical step that's often overlooked in networking is the follow-up. After meeting someone new, send a personalized message expressing your appreciation for the conversation and suggesting a next step, such as meeting for coffee or sharing a relevant article. This demonstrates your interest in developing the relationship further. Regularly touching base with your contacts, without being overbearing, can help turn casual connections into strong, professional relationships.
Finally, it's important to regularly reflect on and adapt your networking strategy. Consider what's working and what isn't. Perhaps you need to network more frequently, or maybe you need to target different types of events or platforms. Be open to trying new approaches and learning from each interaction. Remember that networking is a skill that can be improved over time with practice and persistence. By reflecting on your experiences and being willing to adapt, you can enhance your ability to form strong, lasting relationships.
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Joel "Thor" Neeb
Transformation Sherpa
Successful networking is a combination of being both INTERESTED and INTERESTING. You must seek first to understand the needs of the person you’re talking to, and then share from your own experiences to both guide and inspire them. You only receive from networking what you put into it.
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Peter Ludden
Technical Recruiting | Founding TA | Recruiting Leader
Strong relationships require some foundational building blocks. It doesn't matter if it's a relationship stemming from networking, or a friendship, or a family member, etc. A few common building blocks would be: mutual respect, shared interest, relatively equal effort put in (although sometimes it's ok to be imbalanced), trust given and earned, consistency, and grace to grow the relationship. Maybe these aren't explicitly stated during the relationship, but the behaviors need to be there.
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