The term networking is used often in career coaching and mentorship circles.
Depending on your particular perspective, the word could conjure up anything from a coffee chat with key individuals, or drinks after work, to attending conferences where you are almost certain you will find the right manner of people to include in your network.
While not necessarily ambiguous, it is a fluid concept. It could mean different things at different phases in your career, and it certainly could spell the difference between reaching your goals or not. Putting your head down, doing great work and hoping someone notices, is not enough anymore.
Networking refers to the relationships that you build in and outside your organisation in your professional community, but in my opinion also extends to the personal domain. In the very political environments that exist in the corporate world today, it is essential to build a strong network. Your network should be able to speak for you in your absence, and always represent your capability and track record.
There are some essential steps to getting this right. At the outset, show genuine interest in the people you meet. Remember the names of the people you meet. We know how annoyed we get when people forget the name our parents lovingly bestowed upon us, so remember this when Theo or Sandra is introduced to you.
The next step is to make sure they remember you too, and for all the right reasons. Let’s not give them that picture of you getting down on the dance floor, shirtless, with your tie around your head.
Network building is a two-way street. It isn’t only about what the person can do for you, but also about what you bring to their lives. Self-promotion is important for your career, but if managed poorly, you may suffer the danger of being perceived as untrustworthy by your peers and manager, and even inauthentic.
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