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On every career-building “how to” list is… networking.
I tried ignoring it for a while, working on other things on that list. But it became increasingly hard to skip over as the things I hadn’t yet tried grew smaller.
Meeting people I didn’t know well, just to meet people, was not my idea of fun. Or even something pleasant. The introvert in me cringed as peers encouraged me to just do it.
And so I did. I reached out to different leaders to ask for lunch or coffee time. The problem wasn’t getting on their calendar… it was figuring out what to talk about. So I asked general questions about their leadership style and about what excites them. I avoided talking about myself because that seemed like boasting.
Nothing much happened from those conversations. I never followed up, because I had run out of questions.
I felt like I was missing something when it came to “networking.”
"Everyone you will ever meet knows something you don't."
It happened by accident… when networking all of a sudden got easier.
I was on a mission. I was looking for help.
You see, I had an idea that had nothing to do with my day job. I thought it was important to have a space at work that was designed for collaboration & creative thinking. An innovation space.
And I wasn’t sure yet how to make it happen.
So I talked with anyone that would listen. I reached out to my mentors. And then they said I should talk to ‘Joe’ and ‘Susan’ – other leaders in the organization. And so I did.
I wasn’t really that nervous about meeting with them. And it occurred to me that was because I had a purpose. I had an idea. A vision. I had something to talk about. And not just anything… something I was excited to talk about.
This changed everything.
Now I saw the point of talking to more people. Because the more people I talked to, the stronger my idea became. The more momentum I found. The more help I found.
So the key to networking?
Have a passion project.
Tackle a problem you know will make a difference if solved.
🔹 You will always have something to talk about.
🔹 You will be excited to talk about it, giving energy to the conversation.
🔹 It gives you a reason to schedule time with people… to ask for their feedback.
🔹 It builds your image as a leader, since you are initiating something that makes a difference.
When you have these conversations… here’s a list of things that can help:
1/ Be clear you’re looking to build your idea. This helps to trigger a creative conversation vs. having an execution mindset, which can squash new ideas.
2/ Share your idea not just with words, but with authentic enthusiasm. Energy can be contagious.
3/ Ask what works well and how your idea can be even better. Don’t just ask for feedback – because this can trigger people to tell you all the things wrong with your idea.
4/ Ask who else you should talk to. This expands your network and points you toward people that are likely more receptive to your idea.
5/ Thank them for their input! People appreciate being asked their thoughts, they feel important. I know this is true for me 🙂 People remember how you make them feel.
There you have it! Networking… made easy 🙂
Instead of being something you “should” do… networking can be something you look forward to. Each person can have a new treasure to bring to your idea!
The best part is… you meet new amazing people and build relationships at the same time.
And yes, even introverts can do it 🙂
“Everyone you will ever meet knows something you don’t.”
– Bill Nye
The science guy – Science communicator
