Networking takes time. This is why it ends up far too often in the “I know I should be doing this but don’t have the time” category. Is it really worth your time though? These days most people would admit you have a much better chance of getting a job or a promotion through networking than you do through the normal application process. As well, for any relationship personal or business, you must put the work into strengthening the relationship. Author Maribeth Kuzmeski in her book “The Connectors” discusses the importance of relationships this way: “Cultivating relationships lead to success in just about anything that we do. This skill must be practiced and trained.” In addition, trust is not built on a single interaction and thus it takes time to prove to the other person that you desire to make them more successful.
Listed below are some ways to make connecting with others easier and to help you strengthen your relationships:
1. Use tools that make it easier- Every time you meet someone, follow up with a LinkedIn invitation (rather than an email). This allows the person to see everything about you and them, including shared connections and other information that you might find useful.
2. “Thoughtful Detail”- When you introduce two people, try to make sure you explain to the other person who this person is, what they do and tell them something about the other person they might be interested in.
3. Share a meal- If you want to strengthen the relationship with a colleague, customer or friend, get them away from their desk.
4. Email etiquette- Never use the word “I” in you emails until the third sentence. This is harder than you think so you have to take some time to practice it. This is especially important for someone you are trying to get a meeting with but that you have never met.
5. Volunteer- Not only will you feel great about serving but it allows you to make connections and build relationships on a different level.
6. Be a person of integrity- Make high integrity commitments to yourself and others and more importantly, make sure you keep every one of them.
One of the secrets to success is generosity. How can you start using networking today to make those around you more successful?