This is a guest post by Cameron Butler. Cameron was a member of the Georgia Tech Division of Professional Practice Internship Program. During his time at Tech, Cameron interned with Ingersoll Rand, Georgia Pacific and Bank of America. He graduated in May 2009 with a B.S. in Industrial Engineering with a certificate in Entrepreneurship.
“No matter who you need to know, somebody you know knows somebody who knows that person.”
The above quote might be a mouthful, but it accurately depicts the power of TRUE networking. Networking is a mutually beneficial relationship between two people. Since there is a lot that can be said about networking, I have devised two lists below regarding networking: ‘What is Networking’ and ‘What is NOT Networking.’ I will share my personal experiences along the way. I hope you enjoy!
What is Networking?
1. Doing Someone a favor
2. Providing encouragement – This can include wishing someone luck on a project, when they earn a certification, or even a personal goal like running a marathon. You will find that even in the work world, people will share personal goals, and it means a lot when you can truly remember what is important in the life of someone other than work.
3. Sharing valuable information
4. Asking for help and advice – Everyone needs help. You, me, everyone. I’m not saying go up to someone about your personal problems, but you will be surprised at how much people would be willing to help if you need career guidance, advice on taking a job, or even how to deal with a difficult coworker. When you ask others for their expertise and insight it makes them feel important and valued from your perspective.
5. Making a recommendation/referral – I recently experienced this with finding my new job. I interviewed for a role, and I asked a mentor of mine, who I trust, to make a recommendation on my behalf. Although I was qualified for the position, it didn’t hurt to have someone of his status back me up. I’m sure his quick email meant a lot to my future manager.
6. Introducing people – A good networker is always thinking of ways to connect people. Whether you know someone moving to a new city, starting a new job, or going to a new school, a good networker will always be trying to get others plugged in.
7. Sending notes/maintenance – This is a good approach to keeping in touch with people with not a lot of effort. At work every three months, I have a reminder to send out a ‘Hey, how are you doing’ email to my main contacts. Some people you hear from and some you don’t, but it’s a good way to stay on people’s radar and it’s usually a pleasant surprise to hear from someone and that can turn into coffees, lunches, happy hours, or even new opportunities.
8. Community and professional events – Any volunteering event, professional society, or even a friend’s house party – always use these opportunities to meet someone new. The good thing about structured events is that you usually already have something in common, because there’s a common reason why you are there in the first place so it should be easier to start a conversation.
9. MEANINGFUL conversations with people – You should always leave a conversation feeling like you learned something or got to know someone. No one likes a boring conversation. I think you should always leave a conversation wanting to know more about someone. For example ‘Well, we should definitely get lunch together sometime so you can tell me about the great project you are working on. Sounds fascinating!’ This is a great segue into another meeting and it makes it less awkward to keep the relationship going.
10. Giving
11. Quality – Usually the saying is quality not quantity, but with networking you can argue that both are important. A good networking knows a lot of really valuable people and goes the extra mile to develop those relationships.
What is NOT networking?
1. Keeping score
2. Being manipulative – You should never go into a networking relationship (or any relationship for that matter) trying to get something out of people. It never usually ends well and it doesn’t work out well for your reputation.
3. Pointless relationships – Always try to make a real connection with the people you meet. Don’t try to meet everyone and expect to be able to keep up with them all. Then you will become THAT guy/girl who just floats around. These types of people think they know everyone…when in reality they don’t know anyone.
4. Obligations
5. Putting people on the spot
6. Being demanding
7. Take, take, take, but never give – Networking is a two way street. Don’t expect a great relationship to evolve if you are constantly taking, taking, taking from someone.
8. Sharing secrets
So now that we have a better understand of what is and what is not networking, stay tuned for my next post on Characteristics of Good Networkers, how to meet people, and how to exactly maintain these relationships. However in the meantime, I’m interested to hear of other examples of how you network. How has networking benefited you in your personal, academic, and/or work life? We want to hear from YOU!
Check out more posts like this about successfully navigating your way through the work-world on the college advice blog: The LI$T!
-Cameron Butler
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