When I was an admin at Google, I noticed the top executives would spend at least one hour a week networking, no matter how busy they were.
Your Network = Networth
By doing so, they would: reconnect with former colleagues, meet new folks, mentor people, etc. As a result, they would learn new skills, build deeper bonds in their current network, share appreciation with folks who provided them with their career break (which makes both parties feel good) and set themselves up for future success.
There’s an old saying that it’s better to dig a well before you’re thirsty, and the same applies to networking.
Consistently Networking
Building a great network takes time and effort. That’s why most people don’t do it. Most start strong with a burst of energy: they head to networking events, pass out their cards hoping to jump-start their network, and end up fizzling out. To grow your network successfully, you need a daily routine of actions that deepen current ties and build new ones. I call this routine the connecting habit.
There are four steps to building a network:
- Identify what motivates and distracts you. Why do you want to build a network? What are some of the excuses you will use to break your routine? What can you do to prevent them from stopping you?
- Extra Credit: Use the 5 Whys method to get to the heart of why you want to build a network.
- Make time. Focus is key to making a habit stick, so you’ll have to stop doing something else. What will you cut back on to prioritize the connecting habit?
- Keep it simple. When people start out building a new habit, they often make it too hard. Think of the person who vows to lose weight by trying a new diet, signing up for a fancy gym membership, and hiring an expensive personal trainer all at once. It’s better to determine the most straightforward action you can take to instill a habit and build momentum from there.
- Hold yourself accountable. Create a weekly calendar reminder (no more than 30 minutes) to practice the concepts outlined in the following emails. Practice any of the lessons that resonate with you during this time block.
Regularly reaching out to new connections, reestablishing old ones, spreading joy, and adding value to those you come into contact with will develop a network from which everyone can benefit.
PS – Do you want to become a better networker but don’t know where to get started? Without knowing how to network, your career and investment opportunities will stagnate. Try a free preview of our course Building a Network for Success, so that you can take your networking efforts to the next level. Learn to manage and improve your networking skills with simple steps and templates found in this course. With our simple, laid-out process, you’ll quickly look like a networking pro.
