Ideas For Becoming A Better Networker

“I wish I had started networking when I was gainfully employed.” If only I had a dollar for every time I hear that line from someone who has been recently displaced by their employer. 

The truth is, the more practice that you have meeting people and sharing thoughts, ideas and perspectives, the more effective and more natural the function of networking will become to you.

Listening to, absorbing and being able to discuss what others present in a meeting is obviously essential, but surprisingly, where people often struggle occurs when it is their turn in the meeting to speak.

If you can clearly communicate where you bring value and if you can specifically outline how someone can help you, your networking success rate will increase substantially. The reason for this is because it will establish:

1. That you are a clear and concise thinker
2. That you know what the value is that you provide to an employer
3. That you are clear on what you plan to deliver to an employer
4.  That you respect the time of the person that you are meeting

Practicing a 30 second elevator pitch is the most useful exercise to establish the above. For people that struggle with articulation (maybe their job does not require a lot of formal presentation), I often recommend Toastmasters for people who are looking to accelerate their careers. I am a Toastmasters graduate and I have seen first-hand how the program can propel individuals in their careers.

Another suggestion that I have for people who want to practice networking, public speaking and to continue to learn, is to join an organization like BNI. (Business Network International) I am a member of one of their Toronto chapters and it is a fantastic group that is highly effective for business owners or entrepreneurs. Although not necessarily a fit for the corporate employee, I see increasing value with this organization for many with not only their current career, but also with their next career. More people than ever are looking for meaningful work and more work/life balance. Any recruiter will tell you that many are not content in their jobs with people often asking us about how it is possible for them to exit their industry. BNI can be very helpful to people who want to launch a side business or find a more self full-filling business that they may plan to explore after their corporate careers come to a close.  Sometimes that second career can start ahead of schedule, and it may be on your terms, or on your employers terms.  Be prepared.


Farewell,

Mike