Networking is necessary for a thriving career, truly a necessary evil. There is only so much you can do [to grow a business or career] sitting at home. At some point, you will have to leave your comfort zone in order to up-level your career or business. No matter what kind of career you are pursuing, networking is a key component.
I recently watched a documentary about Steve Jobs, called “Steve Jobs: One Last Thing.” This particular documentary was taken from the perceptive of the people who surrounded him and witnessed firsthand his career – the rise, the fall, and the rise again. What I found interesting was a common thread throughout the other perception of Steve Jobs: he continuously leveraged his contacts to achieve his goals.
*Side Note: I just want to say I’m not condoning using people. That is not the intent here. Okay, back to the post.
Steve Jobs could not leverage any relationship unless he learned how to network, in other words build meaningful relationships. One of the first “networking” opportunities Steve came across was when he met Bill Fernandez. That connection lead to Steve Jobs meeting Steve Wozniak. He was apart of a “networking club” called the Homebrew Computer Club, and so on.
I will admit I was not to fond of networking. I hated networking. My notions of networking was kissing up and/or putting out a false representative of myself by trying to exhibition perfection. I was looking at networking in the wrong way.
I realized networking is showing up and letting people get to know you. Its that simple. Another simple fact of networking to remember, when attending a networking event it’s pretty safe to say everyone is looking for the same thing: a relationship that will help up-level his or her current or future endeavor. Whether the person’s endeavor is working on a project or themselves, everyone (if honest) needs help.
3 Quick Things to address before Networking:
1. Identify your personal or company branding
Be able to articulate who you are, what you do, and possibly how you can help.
2. Identify your goal and intention
Know what you want and why. Honesty is the best policy.
3. Identify what you can offer
Be of service. The best way to build relationship is helping someone else solve their problem.
Lastly, relationships take time to build, so patience is a must. TTFN
Amanda
P.S. Let me know your thoughts on networking. What triggers you about networking? If you have suggestions put those in the comments also. Don’t forget to share or pass it on if you found this post helpful or interesting.
P.S.S. One great place to network in Atlanta, especially in the field of entertainment, is Get Connected. I love attending, the organizers are awesome.