Networking: It's A Way of Life!

This is another post in a series of monthly advice posts made in association with the Career Collective, a group of professionals who collaborate to provide guidance for job seekers and careerists. The topic for July is “Networking, tips for overcoming fears, and even making it fun!”

It’s no secret that most job seekers resist networking. I always find this amazing, since continuing to meet new people and build new relationships is such a key part of managing your career – and your life.

In fairness, it seems, networking that is so immediately goal directed as finding a new job can be stressful. And perhaps it always will be. Yet developing your networking skills can bring intrinsic satisfactions – from the immediacy of an interesting conversation with a colleague to the satisfaction that comes from realizing you are connected to a broad community of people who matter.

When I think of networking as part of life and all the intrinsic satisfaction it can bring, I think of Carol Ross. Serving as coach on for her Networking Naturally Program, I know that Carol's philosophy is that networking truly is a way of life and can happen anywhere and any time. So, I asked if she’d do a brief interview for my July Career Collective post. She said yes, so I recorded the following Skype call. While the video call quality is not crisp, I think Carol offers clear ideas on ways to be more successful in networking. Enjoy!

Once again, many thanks to Carol!

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How did members of the Career Collective respond to the July question? Follow us on Twitter with our hashtag #careercollective and read these posts:

5 Little Secrets About Networking, @Careersherpa

Networking: Easy as 1, 2 , 3, @WorkWithIllness

How to Take the Intimidation Out of Networking, @heathermundell

Networking for the Shy and Introverted, @KatCareerGal

A tale of two networkers, @DawnBugni

Introvert or Extrovert: Tips for the Job Search No Matter Which 'Vert' You Are, @erinkennedycprw

Networking for Job Candidates Who Hate Networking, @heatherhuhman

Networking? Ugh!, @resumeservice

Network, Network, Network, @MartinBuckland @EliteResumes

3 ways to make networking fun for introverts and extroverts, @Keppie_Careers

Grow Your Career Networking Seeds Organically, @ValueIntoWords

Social Media Networking & Your Career, @GayleHoward

Networking for the Networking-Phobic, @JobHuntOrg

Networking: Why Who You Know Doesn't Count, @Chandlee

Comments

[Gayle Howard]

I think you've hit the nail on the head with your statement that goal-driven networking to find a job can be stressful. It is that way because networking shouldn't be used as a mechanism to make someone do something for you. Networking is about building relationships over the long term, of give and take and sharing. This sort of thing can never be achieved by a deadline. Your assertion that it is part of life is spot on! Love the article!

[Chandlee Bryan]

Walter,

This is great. And so wonderful to be able to see Carol.

Carol's advice about how networking is a part of your life is spot-on. It's true that starting with the relationships you already have is a great way to begin...I often tell job seekers that they have already been networking--for as long as they've been alive, in some ways. If you think of it, even when you ask for directions or a restaurant recommendation, or ask a friend what their favorite book is, you are having the first beginnings of a networking conversation in the information exchange.

Thanks for the great insights--and for your use of video here.

All the Best,
Chandlee

[Walter Akana]

Hi Gayle!

Thanks for your comment! Love your view about networking leading to relationships, over the long term, that bring give and take and sharing. You're exactly right that this “…can never be achieved by a deadline.”

Short-term transactional networking, I think, even when *apparently* successful is short lived in it’s impact and does little to build real bonds with others. As well, I think, as does Carol, that by making networking a natural part of one’s life you actually lay the foundation for fulfillment on several levels, including:

- the intrinsic satisfaction that comes from getting to know others and building a community;
- the opportunity to make a difference in the lives of others, contributing to a virtuous cycle of pay-forward kindness; and
- building visibility and good will for oneself that contributes to a positive reputation.

Networking naturally, and continually, supports the flow of real opportunity inside of communities. This is probably counterintuitive for many people. Fortunately, I think we’re seeing a push – especially inside of social media communities – that is changing this!

[Walter Akana]

Hey Chandlee! Thanks for your comment!

I’m really happy about having Carol, on video, discussing her philosophy and providing networking advice! She has such and ease and grace about this! And I know she would agree with you that the little moments of human interaction, generally, and the ones driven by helpfulness, in particular, are networking moments!

I do think when people can focus on the intrinsic value of relationship building, versus the desperate transactional interactions we so often see, then they’re on their way to more long-term career/life satisfaction. Sure, I’ve been displaced and know how desperation can drive unrealistic expectations. Still, I think the best advice job seekers could get today is to network based on sound principles and make them a cornerstone of life!

P.S., You might enjoy seeing my post, Welcome to the New Way to Work. Hint: Play the video!

[Career Sherpa]

Walter:
Super use of video! And of course, great networking info by Carol!
Always look forward to your posts!
Have a super weekend!

[Walter Akana]

Hey Hannah! Thanks for your great feedback on my post! Just a little secret: Carol has been encouraging me to use more video! I’m glad I’m listening to her! Have a super week!

[Carol Ross]

Hey, my apologies for being a bit late to the party. First, thanks to Walter for providing an opportunity to talk about networking. It's something that I never tire of talking about!

Second, thanks to Chandlee and Hannah for their kind words. Tell me how I can "meet" you through video, as I'd like experience the same.

And finally, I learn just as much from rich threads like this one. Thanks for sharing your wisdom on networking.

[Walter Akana]

Hey Carol! Thanks for your comment, and most especially for a terrific interview! You truly do have great advice for making networking natural; and you lead by example with your terrific ability to connect and share! As well, I think that meeting Chandlee and Hannah, and others via video, is a terrific idea! I love the way technology supplies us with the power to reach out across the web to make connections, stay connected, and keep our relationships vibrant and growing!