As many have stated before, it's Net'work'ing. You have to get involved, be proactive and participate if you want to get results.
If you visit networking groups, join them, commit to them and take responsibility for helping them to thrive. If you are building your own personal network, stay in touch, support them and help them to understand how they can support you.
It's often stated that 70-80% of all jobs are filled by recommendation or referral. You will substantially increase your chances of winning the promotion or move that you crave if you develop a strong, diverse network who understand what you're looking for.
But don't wait until you're looking for a move to approach that network. Relationships need to be nurtured so that it feels natural to help you, not an imposition.
Joint Ventures
Strong networks throw up opportunities for collaboration that allow smaller businesses to punch above their weight and companies of all sizes to innovate and access new markets.
Judgement
Don't leave your networking to chance, you need to be constantly using your judgement. The best networkers know when to approach people, when to ask for help, when to offer advice and so much more.
Joking
Something else that requires judgement! Don't leave your sense of humour at home when networking but make sure that you use it appropriately.
Jitters
We all get them! Whether it's the confidence required to walk into a room full of strangers or plucking up the courage to ask someone for a referral, networking gives us the jitters and we have to be prepared to overcome them.
Jargon
Don't use it! Take the ten year old test...will a ten year old understand what you are trying to say and be able to repeat it back to you in their own words?
Justify your Investment
Networking takes up time, money and (most importantly but often forgotten), there is an opportunity cost. Understand what success looks like and focus your efforts.
Jottings
Take notes, whether in meetings, on the back of business cards or on your phone. If you make a promise to help someone, write it down so that you don't forget.
Thanks again to my Facebook friends for your fantastic contributions. Thanks for all of your suggestions 'J for Jeremy' Nicholas, Nigel Risner, Adam Harris, Mark Lee, David Marks, Lee Warren, Lottie Hearn Ross, 'J for Joy' Marsden, Tracey Marie Smolinski, Jacey Lamerton, Kap Varma, Gordon Treadgold, Brian Cole, Ian Steel, Erini Rodis, Guy Clapperton, Martin Goodyer, Keith Stoddart, Shelley Jenner and Agnes Fitzgerald.
If you want to find out a number of the ideas that have missed out, check out the discussion on my profile on Facebook and the
Facebook page.
Now....what are your networking Ks?
