I have been giving talks for years now, it’s no great hardship for me (possibly for my audience though) as after 40 years on stage, public speaking holds no fears for me at all. Most of my talks have been about career advancement and job hunting but regardless of the subject matter, the topic of networking always comes up. Usually because it is a key message of mine.
When I am advising people on job-hunting my two key messages are;
- Think like the other person (the person reading the CV, the interviewer, the hiring manager)
- Network, network, network!
Anyone who knows me knows that I really value networking as a way of advancing any aim – social, business or personal. Many have paid me the (undeserved) compliment of being at master at the trade. The fact is, like most people, I have my on days and my off days, I have worked a room like a pro, but I have also left events after 10 minutes because I just wasn’t feeling it. One thing that never changes though, is my passion for networking and my belief in its importance.
Why does networking work? It works because people like to help each other; this fact is indisputable, and I have witnessed it in action countless times. Do not get me wrong, they don’t always help each other but they almost always want to. Why is that? I believe it is the very basic feeling of doing the right thing. Other considerations are;
- Our upbringing
- We ourselves have been helped in the past
- Karma (you’d be amazed how many people quote this as a motivating factor)
- Putting people and ideas together can reflect well back on us
- The hope that a favour may be returned
Mostly I just think that helping others makes us feel good.
So that leaves the question, if so many of us are waiting and potentially willing to help others (we can’t always help, and nobody can help everyone!) why don’t more people ask for help? Again, I think there is a simple answer, perhaps two; pride and fear of rejection. Both are understandable and I have experienced both, frequently.
When it comes to your business though, there is no room for pride, or fear. Approach people with confidence, discuss your business and your challenges. One tip I give people is never to ask for anything (if that helps), merely discuss your situation, what you need, what you are trying to achieve, what job you are hoping to secure, and then let that information sink in. Allow that person the opportunity to join the dots subsequently. That way nobody feels under any pressure to ‘deliver’ but that willingness to help will kick in, if and when an opportunity arises.
One way to attract a willing cohort of helpers, is to be one! If, among your network, you have a reputation for taking a real interest in the welfare and success of others you will find yourself a) invited to more events and b) surrounded by people willing to help when you need it. So, there a world of help out there and all you have to do is offer some yourself when you can, and ask for it when you need it. Go on, make someone feel good by allowing them to help you!