Do you feel pressure to "always be networking"?

15 Comments

1. Emily StarkApril 25,2022 at 5:03PM UTC

   Ohhhhh I love this question! First, networking often seems like a heavy responsibility, but there are various degrees, in my opinion. One shift is reframing the word networking to relationship building. Here are a few ideas you might squeeze into a full-time workweek, perhaps shoot to accomplish one bi-weekly.

   • join a cross-collaborative, interdepartmental project/meeting
   • ask professional acquaintances what they're working on
   • contribute to ideas in meetings and follow up with an outreach email to further connect with someone new
   • share safe, personal information like travel plans or books you're reading to thicken relationships
   • offer to mentor or help with a new initiative
   • sit with someone new during lunch/break, if you're in the office

   Cheers to low-pressure network expansion!

2. Tasha L. SimmonsApril 25,2022 at 5:43PM UTC

   Yes, make networking easier to achieve.

   Ask yourself what your personal reason for networking then make the networking goal what you want to achieve not because someone is telling you to do

3. Emily StarkApril 25,2022 at 6:02PM UTC

   Great idea, Tasha. Exploring and setting goals for networking is so important.

4. AnonymousApril 25,2022 at 5:04PM UTC

   If done well, networking becomes an integrated and organic process. You connect with new folks, you touch base with existing network when you come across something helpful. And you respond to requests for introductions, advice or references.

   Networking doesn't need to be such a heavy lift unless you are looking for help or a job. In that case it may take a bit more focus but if you've stayed in touch it should be painless.

5. Tasha L. SimmonsApril 25,2022 at 5:39PM UTC

   I agree networking and job searching at the same time is a heavy task. Networking is easier when it is done organically

6. AnonymousApril 25,2022 at 5:09PM UTC

   Networking doesn't have to be a chore...LinkedIn makes it super easy to connect with people in your field, have quick interactions with them, and then choose to set up longer conversations if you wish.

   Personally, I take 10 minutes everyday to look at new people to connect with specifically those connected with my current connections.

   As for professional development, I think it is what you want to learn and what skills you want to grow in. I am currently doing two online certificate courses. One for Ethical and Inclusive Leadership and one on DEI practices. Both are at my own pace as long as I finish by 12/31/22. I usually do 1-2 hours on the weekends. I chose to do this because of where I want to move my career to in the future.

7. Tasha L. SimmonsApril 25,2022 at 5:37PM UTC

   Good luck with your certificates

8. AnonymousApril 25,2022 at 6:39PM UTC

   Thank you Tasha! So far they have been very interesting.

9. Tasha L. SimmonsApril 25,2022 at 5:34PM UTC

   network on your comfort level, one of the goals of the network should be supporting each other. This platform is a form of networking.

   I network typically after attending a webinar or after seeing a social media post that aligns with my professional goals

10. TeenieApril 25,2022 at 6:19PM UTC

    May I ask what industry and role you are in ?

    Networking does seem like a chore, while to some it's as smooth as a well choreographed set of moves.

    It also depends on what area / venue / medium you are looking to network at.

    For example: an easy way will be to join a group on a common topic. LinkedIn provides such groups. Another way would be to create a common DL within organizational constraints. Idea is to learn from experiences of others ( the way I see it) apart from also "giving or contributing " yourself.

11. Joanne RosenApril 25,2022 at 6:39PM UTC

    If you are in sales, it's a must, unfortunately. However, just opening up LinkedIn for 5 minutes a day, adding some new contacts, and responding to some posts is networking. Decide ahead of time what type of contacts you want and target them.

    You can also network here. Reach out to women, attend some of the seminars they offer (yes, it's a commitment but worth it), and don't post anonymously. Start a post that says, I'd like to network with people in XYZ field or ABC area.

    Cheers

    Joanne Rosen

    https://www.analyticadvantagecc.com

    Definitely open to connect!!

12. AnonymousApril 26,2022 at 12:38PM UTC

    I feel like networking is the most overrated, presumptuous, insincere approach to job hunting. I'm an introvert. I would never presume to chat up a colleague I haven't seen in 10 years to re-invent a relationship so that MAYBE they will remember me if there's a job opening somewhere. And that advice about blindly contacting someone who works in the company or type of role you're seeking? I'm sure they have better things to do than talk to a stranger. I don't know them. How can I assume they have good advice? Maybe they hate their job. Maybe they're not a good worker. And with COVID, many "meetings" still are not conducted face-to-face. I just don't see the advice on networking as helpful.

13. AnonymousApril 26,2022 at 3:59PM UTC

    Networking doesn't have to be this way. I know there is a lot of silly advice out there that's all about being hardcore and can come off borderline aggressive, but I think that really depends on the industry. Networking can be a completely organic, rewarding experience of connecting with others and sharing experiences. You don't have to go out to network feeling like you have ulterior motives. It can be as simple and small an action as congratulating somebody on LinkedIn or sharing a post you think others might relate to or enjoy.

14. AnonymousApril 26,2022 at 6:07PM UTC

    I disagree.
    I would also consider myself an introvert but at some point I had to pivot to a growth mindset instead of a fixed mindset. Networking isnt for everyone- especially introverts but as I mentioned above, networking needs to work for you. So chatting up a colleague who you haven't seen in 10 years isn't for you, then what is for you? How can you be proactive in networking in a way that works for you and your career? Again growth mindset!

15. AnonymousApril 26,2022 at 6:03PM UTC

    I set time for professional development but I don't know that I would consider networking as personal development.
    I think of networking as a fun more causal activity. Again this may depend on the culture of your workplace. Are there any "groups" that you can join at your place of work? volunteering opportunities? Even just speaking to someone saying hello asking them how their day is or how their weekend was is networking. Maybe you're overthinking it. There was a post on here a few months back about networking and they had a little 4 pager on networking like a pro. It was from AYM consulting and it was really great advice. Talked about making networking work for you. Maybe if you search it you can find it? I hope this helps.