By Amelia Chan, CHRP

Networking is misunderstood.  The idea of networking (as a verb) or the network (as a noun) often sends shudders through most of the general population. Yet, we, as humans, are doing this all the time – we just aren’t always aware of it.  Unless you are truly living in a cave away from civilization of any kind, you are participating in some type of network.  The people who you interact with regularly, sporadically or even on an ad hoc basis form a part of your network. 

Imagine that!  Your very own network and you didn’t even realize it.  The key is being aware of it and figuring out how best to maximize its potential.  This is the difference.  There seems to be a general awareness that networking has its advantages but it isn’t very concrete for most people.  In fact, I am usually surprised at how intimidating most people find networking.

First off, networking is a mindset: an attitude of opportunity.  Very few people master their networking skills, but that does not mean that it is only meaningful to those who understand how to apply its principles.  True networking, or what I refer to as positive networking, is about making connections.  These connections form cycles of professional reciprocity with a “what can I do for you?” philosophy.

Networking requires trust, patience and an attitude of sharing.  The very nature of these elements requires an investment of time and quality interaction.  All positive relationships require trust and it is critical to building your network connections.  Those you choose to bring into your network should be as diverse as possible, but ideally share common ground in regards to ethics, values and credibility as you.After all, your own credibility is tied to and reflected in those you associate with. 

Another important element is patience because networking takes time to be effective.  The follow-up is a slow and steady process; those expecting instant results will inevitably be disappointed.  Just to clarify the concept for folks who think networking should “work” right away for them – it does not involve selling or pitching anything.  In fact, to further separate it from selling, networking comes without any undue expectations or obligations.  Sometimes we all need “a little help from our friends” and when you ask your network for help the results can be spectacular.  In return, all you need to do is be willing to help others, share and be receptive to the possibilities.

The power of networking is incredible.  For those doubters out there, there are some tangible studies which prove its power.  For those of you who have heard of the ‘six degrees of separation’, it is a phenomenon which has amazing implications and is all too often (and wrongly) dismissed as being an urban myth.  Science shows that a few highly connected people ‘can’ link a large number of not-so-well connected people.  This concept was based on a series of social experiments conducted by Stanley Milgram at Harvard in 1967; and was popularized by a movie and play.  Pop culture also promoted this idea through the Kevin Bacon Oracle and the “Six degrees of Kevin Bacon”.

We have all heard of or experienced the “how small the world is” stories.  Every day someone discovers a connection to someone believed to be completely removed from their close circle or immediate network. 

However, according to mathematics, it isn’t that unusual after all.  Using mathematical graph theory, two mathematicians found patterns and linkages looking for an answer to this small-world phenomenon and their findings stunned scientists and the research world.  If we mix our usual connections with three separate random shortcuts (or connectors), we are technically removed from another individual by just under six connections.  This formula applies to any two humans on the planet according to this research.  For a really interesting look at this phenomena, please refer to this documentary short http://topdocumentaryfilms.com/six-degrees-of-separation/.  It’s a small world indeed.

What does this mean?  It means that if we want to participate in the power of networks, we have to go out and connect some dots for ourselves.  Whether we want to find the next career move, uncover new business opportunities or simply find a hairdresser who makes us look amazing, networking can be one of your best strategies.  The list of reasons to network is endless but it is important to debunk those myths and crack open the mysterious concept called networking first.  To make it work for you, you have to first understand it. 

This is part one of a three-part networking series. Learn more about the ‘why’ of networking in part two—coming soon!

Amelia Chan, CHRP, CICC, is an HR and immigration consultant who specializes in skilled foreign workers. She can be reached at amelia@hr-options.com.