Networking Basics: How to network effectively
Considering how basic and vital a skill like networking is in everyday life, it’s surprisingly not included in the curricula of most educational institutions. Networking, at its core, is responsible for the effective growth and functioning of entire civilizations. This same principle applies in trying to run and grow your business or career. Human beings are innately social creatures and we instinctively desire to be in the company of those who are familiar to us — people that we know and can trust. The ability to network effectively plays a crucial role in determining career success.
Just because networking is a necessity does not mean that it is easy. Networking requires a lot of work, and regular practice. There are key relationships that you’ll need to build and cultivate to develop professionally. You will need to network horizontally with your peers and colleagues, and build vertical networks through mentor-mentee and sponsor-protégé relationships. This will help you establish a network of relationships with both burgeoning and experienced professionals and leaders in your field of interest. Effective networking helps you initiate, manage and grow the right types of relationships that will lead to advancement in your career. It also provides an avenue for you to give back to those coming behind you in the ranks.
In my previous article, “3 steps to becoming a happier professional,” I highlighted the importance of developing these horizontal and vertical professional relationships. In response to that article, I received a number of questions asking for insights into how to network effectively to facilitate these impactful relationships. I thought it would be beneficial to write an article to share some of the basic networking strategies I have used to build and maintain these essential professional relationships.
- Leverage your existing connections
Whether you are networking within your current organization, academic or social group, or whether you are networking externally, the best place to start is with your already existing connections. This means leveraging on the people with whom you already have a pre-established relationship. These people are your first group of allies, the first layer in your professional network. Think of your network as being built in a pyramidal structure. Your existing connections form the base of that pyramid.
Naturally, the base of a pyramid is made up of stable pieces; people who you can rely on. These people are willing to respond to your requests and provide the resources or information you need because of the connection which already exists between you and them. These existing connections also provide you with an effective platform to branch out beyond your base. They can refer you to people within their own network with whom you have no direct contact, just because of your proximity to and relationship with them (think LinkedIn second-degree connections). Figuratively speaking, they are willing to “put their necks on the line” for you based on previously established rapport between you and them.
The most important thing to note when dealing with relationships within your existing network is the need to be strategic. Firstly, identify the information you need, the individual or individuals who are best suited for providing this information, and the level of support you will require. Once you are certain about these three things, start with a small ‘ask’, i.e. one that is easy and not overwhelming, and build up from there.
For example, if your need is mentorship, you might ask for 30 minutes a month for 3 months of the person’s time, after which you might re-evaluate and cancel or extend those meetings. A different ask might be an introduction with a second degree connection who is better able to provide the type of mentorship you require. In this case, make sure you have a short blurb prepared that your referrer can leverage on in making the introduction. A good networking email is also a great way to create an introduction to a second-level contact. Think of it as the typical one minute elevator pitch.
2. Don’t be afraid to cold message people outside your network
It is important to realize that we are limited to the information within our existing network. A larger networking pyramid naturally translates into better opportunities, and wider access. This means that the broader and more strategic our network is, the more relevant the information we will have about the opportunities we are interested in. This becomes even more essential when switching careers or pivoting to a new field. In this sort of scenario, it is particularly vital to reach out to new people who are not a part of your pyramid base, or even second-level connections.
While leveraging on your existing network for referrals is arguably more effective, do not let that deter you from cold messaging people you have no direct connections with. Sending that first networking message to a stranger will most likely be awkward, but you must push past that feeling and send it anyway. To be clear, most people do not respond to messages from people they do not know directly. But a well-crafted, concise message typically elicits a positive response from its receiver. There are certain errors you need to avoid to improve your chances of getting a response, but it is important to remember that the lack of a response should not deter you from trying to reach out to other contacts.
Last year, I landed both my internship and full-time employment through referrals from people outside of my existing network. I sent cold messages on LinkedIn and ended up receiving responses. For every 10 requests I sent to people on LinkedIn, I received one response (yes, I actually counted.) I can’t claim to have been strategic from the beginning; I had to learn that along the way. I want you to be better equipped than I was, so be sure to execute your cold messaging as strategically as possible. A proper strategic approach is guaranteed to have better results.
3. Keep a closed feedback loop
This is a step that is often overlooked, especially when we feel as though we have gotten the help we need. I believe that carrying the people who have helped you reach your destination along — whether it be a new business relationship, a new role or a new career path — is a great way to nurture their interest in your success. It also gives that member of your network an avenue to champion you in rooms you know nothing about. It is important to circle back and provide updates, even before it has been asked for. This type of transparency and accountability will keep you at the forefront of the minds of the people who have provided guidance, referrals and support for you along your professional journey.
It is possible to go a while without having conversed with the people you have built a networking relationship with, but don’t be afraid to reconnect and inform them of things you have learned, or ways in which their support or perspective has helped you be effective on the job. Gratitude is a gift that keeps on giving.
Networking is a skill that may not come easily to many, and it definitely takes practice. It takes hard work, dedication, organization, and a willingness to not be deterred. It can also be really draining, so you’ll need to pace yourself if you are going on an extended period of networking. But when done well, the benefits of networking outweigh the cost. Try to avoid being myopic, and be sure to play the long game. Even if you aren’t offered an opportunity now, networking correctly ensures that you remain present in the minds of your contacts, and first in line for potential future opportunities.
If you are currently recruiting for a job, you might find my previous article “10 things I wish I knew before searching for an internship” helpful.
