Networking is a subject that can divide people in the workplace. One side look at it as a requirement of being successful, learning and being able to do more. While another side is its just about inflating your ego, playing the corporate game and a potential waste of time.

I believe it can contain all of that, Networking is a skill that is broad and is employed differently by people. The real question is, what is the best way to network to maximise the impact it has for you while remaining true to your values.

The Science of Networking

Being in an open network instead of a closed one is the best predictor of career success according to Forbes. Forbes interviewed one of the world’s top network scientists. Their results according to multiple, peer-reviewed studies, stated this conclusion.

They stated within a closed network, the more you repeatedly hear the same ideas just reinforce what you already believe. The further you go toward an open network, the more you’re exposed to new ideas and also getting noticed by others, significantly improving your chances of being successful. Think of Open as being those who you do not interact with regularly and closed as those who you do regularly interact with.

Other science talks about the use of mirror neurons, those neurons allow us to mimic body language, understand how someone is feeling and react to someone without thinking. When we are with other people or they are in our minds, they impact our version of our self, we may even start to incorporate the beliefs of others into our actions.

The opposite is equally true in that we influence others, far more than we think.

The Truth of it

I was one previously who didn’t believe in networking and that it was a errant activity only to serve the purpose of highlighting myself in the eyes of others. What changed? After challenging myself in some unknown areas, I conceded it would not be a bad idea to learn some more. From those interactions, it snowballed into what I do today.

  • I got new ideas for items I was working on. Giving me an angle I never considered. Guidance I would not of got within my closed network, allowing me greater impact
  • As I expanded my network. It allowed me to reach other contacts very much outside of anyone I would of considered. Meaning I have had discussions with people or companies I never considered. Increasing my own support network, people to fall back on if struggling on an issue
  • My brand was better understood.  An article all on its own, but everyone has a brand. It is easy to get called out as something. But the more I networked, the more people understood me, my goals and aspirations. The result was getting named or pulled into more opportunities than I would of done otherwise

Go Ahead and Try

Just try is my advice. Have a catchup with someone outside of your usual group and just try and understand their world and challenges. From that you will start to realise the benefits. Word of warning, not every meeting is like that, so don’t expect it every time or even the first time!

  • Identify three people who don’t know particularly well and commit to e-mailing them and once OK, schedule a 30 minute chat
    • Someone you know of and keen to know more about
    • Someone that was recommended from a friend or peer
    • Someone you would never think of meeting with, the CEO or VP for example
  • Have some set prepared questions so you are not left wondering what to ask, there are many questions to ask but some favourite areas
    • Their career story, how did they get where they are
    • Challenges they have had or currently facing
    • Off-side question, who do they look up to or the last book they read
  • Be able to articulate yourself so that when the conversation invariably turns to you, you are prepared and ready
    • What you are working on
    • Recent successes or things you are proud of
    • A challenge you are facing that they could offer some insight into

Above all, be yourself. Because when you are, there is no one better.