Networks and Networking

Check out Maya Townsend’s new blog series on Inc magazine’s website. The series focuses on using relationships and networks for individual, team, and organizational success. The first post, “Are You Neglecting Your Most Critical Contacts,” went live on January 8 and, in its first hour, received over three hundred social shares.

Stay tuned for more posts covering all things network:

• 3 Ways to Sustain Genuine Relationships Through Networking
• Need Some Alone Time? How to Succeed When You’re Not an Extrovert
• Business Ecosystem Basics: What It Takes to Thrive in Complex Markets
• The Restructuring Junket: Don’t Shuffle the Boxes, Make Real Change
• Digital Ties that Bind: We’re More Connected, but Are We Better Connected?

~~Another entry in our ongoing series on Networking Tips.~~

She just won’t stop talking. It’s fifteen minutes into a one-hour networking session and all you’ve done is listen to her talk about how her company’s new iPhone app / her patent for comfortable high heeled shoes / her algae-based nutrition bars will revolutionize everything. Maybe it will, but you need to move on. But how do you do it without coming across as insensitive or rude?

This is a tough challenge that everyone faces periodically. There are a few ways to extricate yourself politely.

At Partnering Resources, we prefer to talk about networking as an ongoing activity, not just as something people do when they need a new job. But we do use our networks for job searching and, in this guest post by Irene Brank, we learn about three types of people that we meet while networking for a new job.

In today’s job market, we are all temporary employees, contractors if you will. It is vitally important that we keep active networks, but even more important to know “who they are” when you need them. As I’ve entered the world of job seekers after a beautiful career of over 25 years, I’ve learned some valuable lessons about the people I’ve acquired in my network over the years.

If you're like most people, you belong to one or two professional associations. These organizations are supposed to serve serve as your networking and education hub. You go to meetings, learn interesting things, keep up with your profession, and expand your professional network... supposedly. However, many feel disappointed by their experiences with professional associations. Here are a few tips to help you get the most from your money.

Social events can be extremely anxiety-provoking for introverts. Walk into a room where I know no one? Make small talk over canapés? Can’t I just hide in a corner instead? Never fear, introverts: we can do this. Here’s how to network at a social event.

Prevention is key

Before you go to an event, try to identify who else will be there.  If you know people who plan to go, you can plan to meet there.  Email people ahead of time and make plans. Introverts do better with structure. If you’re entering an unstructured environment, see if you can create some planned events or tasks for yourself so the event isn’t totally unstructured. The best way to create structure is in advance.

It can be hard for introverts to do a lot of the activities normally considered to be networking, especially the large group meet-and-greets. It can also be tricky for those who are busy or those who hate networking. How do you find time to build and sustain your network? Here’s a quick list of easy ways you can network from your desk.

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Share a link, article, or report that you think will interest a specific person. I have a list of my top ten connectors: people who have gone out of their way to connect me to others. I know their interests, hobbies, and future goals.