By Amelia Chan, CHRP

‘One size fits all’ does not apply to networking. There are many ways to network but it ultimately depends on the individual.

Networking should be done in a way that fits your own personality and frame of mind.  It may never become easy, but it doesn’t have to be painful.  Even if you are reaching beyond your comfort zone, you still have to be within your own personality and character. Otherwise, authenticity and sincerity (core qualities of networking) are lost. 

Here are some helpful approaches to improve your networking success and diminish the cringe factor:

Keep your outcome goals in mind 
Don’t assume that the solution is to attend more networking functions.  Increasing quality connections is the goal, but adding large numbers of weak connections will not work the same way.  Instead, an understanding of where to place your concerted effort will make it your efforts more effective.  By figuring out what you want and your areas of interest, you can break down your planning into achievable actions. 

For example, if learning about a specific area of expertise is your objective, then you can put your efforts into learning all about that field, figuring out who the experts are, searching out the events and associations which are a part of that area.  The interest and flow of interaction will be natural because you genuinely want to connect there.  Your networking activities will evolve naturally because it is based on your sincere interest in that area – not an artificially imposed number of random handshakes. 

Also, take the opportunity to introduce and connect others; establish yourself as a network hub so you develop ongoing relationship connections between different parties.  Choose your environment and arena carefully and your network within that sphere will develop.

Prepare and have a plan 
It is wise to have a networking strategy to make it concrete and easy to practice.  With a nod to Linda Hill & Kent Lineback’s ‘Three networks that you need’, plan for your operational, developmental and strategic networking objectives.  By setting some goals around your interests, you can develop a plan to guide your networking activities.  These goals will make it easier to figure out what events to attend and what tools you will need.

Practice good engagement skills
Engagement skills include listening and holding a conversation. Listen for understanding and clarity and be curious about the other parties.  When speaking with others, always try to develop the conversation in a meaningful way. Not only will you be more appealing and memorable, you will learn something about how you can help the other person.  It is also important to have a clear sense of yourself so you make a compelling introduction which leads to better conversation flow.  Also, having a good summary introduction prepared prevents you from having to struggle to find the right words to open up the discussion. Positive networking takes time, patience and effort because they are based on quality relationships.

Be yourself
The last thing anyone should do is engage in behaviour they feel uncomfortable doing. There is no need to ‘work the room’ in an event filled with strangers.  The important thing is to find the right place to connect; the networking will be much more natural and less contrived because it isn’t just a random shot in the dark.  Even individuals who consider themselves to be shy or introverted can eventually network with ease if they identify the ideal events and opportunities to attend. 

Put yourself into situations which have some built-in encouragement and likelihood for success.  Choose a smaller group setting where there is more opportunity for one-on-one interaction instead of a large conference hall filled with established cliques.  

Networking for the sake of networking is too general and not the way to develop the most meaningful relationships. Networking is about quality and not just quantity so although it can be a numbers game, it doesn’t have to be numbers driven.  Whether it is the ideal job or business prospect, the ideal approach will be different for everyone.  Think through your strengths and abilities and how you can potentially help others…and this in turn will help you. 

Nurture your network and follow-up
You need to follow up as soon as possible because very few people do.  It is important to stay in touch especially when you don’t need anything.  It is about building connection – not selling.  Establish yourself as a network hub and find ways to follow-up on points of discussion or areas of mutual interest to keep you in their mind.  People will remember you through the ongoing connections and check-ins you do.  Don’t be annoying, but also don’t lose contact because leads, referrals and assistance go to those who they have solid network relationships.

Network in the right places
Don’t make the mistake of spreading your networking energy too thin.  It is important to select the right venues and networking events to connect otherwise you will expend your efforts for the wrong reason.  Unfocused networking is often mistakenly blamed for the reason networking is a waste of time.  You are not there to promote yourself, but to see what you can do for others.  If the venue is not even related to anything close to your area(s) of interest, how is it possible for you to pay it forward through your resources?  Do your homework and research.

This is part three of a three-part networking series. Read part one and part two now.

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.