Networking is Time and Patience
Don’t start off asking for a job. It leads to a clearly shallow relationship of being able to get you something for essentially nothing. If the person can’t help you, then they don’t have any lasting connection to you. Networking isn’t about what someone can do for you. Yes, we all want connections that will stick their neck out for us, but that costs something. That is a time commitment, an investment in other people. Why would I risk anything even my time for a stranger?
Don’t think of it as what others can do for you but what you can do for them. If everyone is only trying to network with people to pull them up, it leaves the newest people to fend for themselves. What can you do to help develop others? What stories can you share to those just entering school or grad school or the job market?
Maybe you’re new to the field, and the best you can do is ask about someone’s experience. Asking questions like that are relatively easy and don’t require a big commitment or risk from the person being asked. So ask them:
1) What motivates you?
2) What was your most inspirational experience?
3) What was the hardest thing you have had to overcome in your career?
4) What was the most enjoyable work experience?
Build the relationship over time, and when an opportunity arises, they will be more willing help. They may even think of you and reach out to you. Networking is time and patience. The result may take longer but will lead to deeper relationships and better opportunities.
I do my best networking over coffee talking about topics unrelated to work. Even though small talk may seem like a waste of time, it is part of the trust building people do in their relationships to establish trust. This setup might be a complete mess, but it makes excellent espresso that brews good relationships.
If you like, follow me on Twitter and YouTube where I post videos espresso shots on different machines and espresso related stuff. You can also find me on LinkedIn.
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