Networking to Success

Success Breeds Success - A TDK Technologies Philosophy

Networking is easy right?  I mean you just go to places and listen to people because they talk to you.  You have a member's lunch with the association, hear a speaker and then ...

For most professionals in IT, networking can seem very foreign indeed.  Life for us is about the code.  It is about this new tool.  It is about the .NET, Java or the servers used.  But networking is critical for both your professional growth and your business' success, and it requires a plan.  The plan should answer a few simple questions.

• Who do you want to network with?
• Where do they meet? What organizations?
• What do I know or need to know about those I want to network with?
• What do I have in common?
• How can I help? And how can they help me?

The biggest hurdle is inertia.  "I just can't get started" or "I am under a tight project deadline" always seems to get in the way of meeting new people and learning about their specialty or professional world.   Each of us seems to find it difficult to get out of our comfort zone.  Networking can be very simple.  And, once you start you begin to appreciate its value and you will never look back.

So how can you get started?  It is a three step process.  First, it takes a little homework.  You need to answer the questions above.  You need a plan.  You need to focus your efforts so that you stay productive with your time.  Second, you need to "dive in."  You need to get involved and attend the organization meetings or events and get to know them through conversation but more importantly through organizational projects and volunteering.  And third, you need to keep those relationships alive and encourage those relationships to help you as you can help them broaden your network of associates and friends.

Homework for many is the easy part.  Ask friends, associates in the office, or others what organizations would be good for your involvement.  Research those organizations online by familiarizing yourself with its mission, membership, and programs to see if it is a good fit and would attract the people you would want to know and enjoy.  The real test is to ask yourself "Do these people share a common interest or belief of mine with which I am comfortable?"  If yes, attend a gathering and test the waters.  You just might meet a new friend.

Attending is the tougher part.  Getting out of your comfort zone to meet a total stranger is not easy for many people.  If that person is you, bring a friend.  You will become so at ease.  Your friend can help you get into and out of many conversations and add a level of security to the outing.  Simply employ a three step process to a great first impression:

1. Learn who will be attending the event
   • Participant list, brochure, names of committee, educated guess
2. Begin casual conversations to identify the people you want to connect with
3. Introduce yourself
   • Without describing anything about your work
   • Listen
   • Don't talk and look elsewhere - be engaged and sincere

Being genuine is attractive to others and will help them be genuine with you.  Being genuine is always the basis for a good networking relationship.  Get the person to talk about themselves.  Ask simple straightforward questions and find out what you have in common and then focus on the common point of reference.  It will be the conversation starter at your next meeting.  What is the worst thing that could happen - you met someone new.

Finally, keep the new relationship alive and healthy.  You must feed your network with your time by staying in touch periodically, assisting your network with requests they may have - people resources, quality business partners, and more.  The key to having a good network is to focus only on the amount you can handle.  Don't have too many in your network or it will be shallow and ineffective over time. Or don't have it too narrow or you will have deep resources but not broad enough to encourage success.

In total, networking is a fun and rewarding activity professionals from all industries and backgrounds should pursue.  You might be surprised.  You may gain a new friend or hear someone say, "I think I found someone who can help you..."