Effective networking demands skill and involves you being intentional.
“Hello, my name is Oluwatosin. Are you Imaad?”
I sincerely thought he was the Algerian journalist that I follow on Twitter. He smiled. “What does Imaad do?” I responded: “Imaad tracks the political and financial implication of stories in Nigeria.” Clearly, I had the wrong person, but the conversation was later stretched. It happened to be that he works for Uber and is currently in Nigeria to implement new changes. I connected him to my ex-colleague at Bloomberg for a big story that he wanted to break. In less than 30 minutes, I have made a new contact, added value to him by making an introduction and I also was able to help my other acquaintance get a promising story lead.
All from a hello!
Deliberate Networking
During the younger years of my career, I considered networking to be so tasking and overwhelming. It felt tiring. If networking has to feel like such a heavyweight on your shoulder, you are definitely doing it wrong. No one said it will be a walk in the park, but neither is it such a heavy burden that you’d rather skim over it. Effective networking is a skill that can be acquired.
Networking is a brilliant exercise that opens you up to the resource base of the person you just connected with and vice versa. You are not in this boat alone. Yes, the person you hope to connect with also doesn’t want a forced, stiff or burdensome connection. So, let Let the introduction be sincere, real, and thoughtful.
See Also: Why networking is important and how to network effectively.
Social Media
With the advent of social media, we are not restricted to physical meetings alone; there’s a new world of options open to us. It could be via LinkedIn, Facebook, Twitter or even Instagram. The list goes on. Considering you want to tap into someone else’s net worth, it is only fair that you’re asking yourself what you have to offer? What are you bringing to the table? Once you identify this, subtly hint how you plan to impact them.
Once you’ve identified the value you have to offer, how do you then get through the compatibility test? How are you maintaining your brand online? Will someone of a particular calibre want to associate with you? I am not saying to be scripted or rigid. But be deliberate about how you intend to position yourself. Your choice of images, the things you endorse – likes, affirmation comments or retweets, your writing style, etc. All these factors go a long way.
Set yourself apart. What are you interested in? Your followers’ list and views should reflect this to a certain extent. The person you intend to connect with has less than 5 minutes to skim through your online profile and all the points listed are trigger signs that will determine an acceptance or decline.
See Also: Networking tips to grow your business network.
Long Term Networking
Has anyone ever reached out to you from the blues mysteriously because they need something? Here is where networking comes in. It is not an instant justification exercise. It is for the future. That person you connected with today might be in a position to fast track your need 10 years from now. As a result of this, do not restrict yourself to a one-dimensional group. For instance, you are an accountant and almost everyone in your networking base also has a similar background. You need a multi-dimensional base for this to be effective. Do not write anyone off. Keep your options open as your network could range from the girl next door to the CEO of a promising startup.
Add Value
Do you know of an opportunity that will be of value to someone you know? Then go ahead and initiate an introduction. Pass the opportunity forward to the person, make a brief professional introduction about what they do and how they might be a fit for it. Share information with regards to events, activities, or things that they might be interested in. Keep it brief and light-hearted.
Two of the jobs I had were via referrals. This writing opportunity is via a referral. I got my business partner via networking. There are so many opportunities that you can open yourself up to simply by networking rightly; even opportunities that have never crossed your mind!
Start a connection today. Effective networking can be learnt.
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