☕️ How to make networking work for you - issue 1

Hello! 

Earlier this week, in The Career Momentum Hour, there was a fantastic question about networking.

Rachel has just started a new senior role & wanted my tips on making networking manageable alongside a busy job.

In the CEO speaker event I ran earlier this year with Adrian (CEO of TrustPilot & formerly COO of JustEat and Luisa from ManyPets), networking came up as a key enabler along the path to the C-Suite. In fact, my survey data shows that "I landed it through my network" is the most frequently given reason for a pivotal career move. 

So we all know it's important. But how do you avoid the "on/off" trap of only networking when you desperately need a change?

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In the 1st edition of my promised newsletter, here's a summary of the advice I shared. You can also watch a video of the session for free via the link here - the relevant section on networking is sign-posted at minute 12:50 (although I hope you find the whole session helpful!)

Just want the actions? No problem - they're listed at the bottom of this email!

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Redefine what you mean by networking - this is the key 

Picture the scene.

You've just arrived at a corporate venue. You've picked up your name badge. You're thrust into a room full of people you don't know.

You feel obliged to try & scurry around introducing yourself to folks you'll probably never see again. If you're honest with yourself, you're tempted to hide under the canapé table. And you'll definitely find an excuse for an early exit.

This is what most people picture when we use the term "networking". And it understandably makes most of us want to run a mile.

What's more, it's almost totally ineffective. These aren't people who know you. So how can they trust you or advocate for you?

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So, what is a better definition?

"Keeping in touch with people who know your capabilities & will advocate for you."

Typically, these are people you've worked or partnered with in the past. Probably peers or former bosses. People who know you & like you. Or they might be people that those people have introduced you to with their backing.

When you reframe networking like this, your shoulders relax. In fact, you can picture that reconnecting with these people might actually be quite enjoyable.

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It's the network of their network where most opportunity lies.

Don't get me wrong. If you keep up with this group, it's not uncommon that one of them will give you a call at some point and ask you to join their team. (The timing might not be right. The opportunity might not be right. But it's always great to be asked).

Much more likely is that they'll think of you when someone in their network is chatting to them. It could be that their friend wants an expert point of view. Or a supplier recommendation. Or that they're building a new team and asking for suggestions. Either way, you'll be front of mind for an introduction.

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So what are my tips for making this manageable?

1. Write a short list. 15-30 people who know your capabilities (ideally, peers or seniors).
2. Put them in a spreadsheet / Trello board / other type of simple tracker.
3. Don't be scared to get back in touch with people you've lost touch with - you'll be surprised just how many are happy to hear from you.
4. Make a simple, realistic goal. E.g., meet 1 person per month (assuming you're in a full-time job; stretch this target if you're actively job seeking).
5. Don't be transactional. This is about building trusted relationships.
6. Do be intentional. People who know & trust you are happy to advise or support you.
7. Be resilient & systematic. If they didn't reply to your first message, follow up 1 week later (it's not because they dislike you; it's because they're busy & forgot to email back).
8. Give as well as take. Make thoughtful connections for these people. And lean into people trying to network with you. Remember how you feel about that person who is only in touch with you when they want something (we all know one). Don't be that person. Instead, "pay it forward" - good karma quickly comes around.

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FAQs The most common question I've received this week about my sessions is
"What do these sessions actually look like?"

Good news - you can now experience a session for yourself!

A full recording of this week's session is available through the link here. I hope you enjoy it and it brings to life the format & topics. 

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I'd welcome the opportunity to support you, too - just follow the sign-up steps via the buttons on the video page. You'll benefit from 6 months of sessions like this with me & guest speakers for as little as £15/€18/$20 per session.

Thanks - as ever - for your encouragement. I hope you enjoyed the insights from this 1st newsletter edition. And if you have any tips to add to my list, please reply to let me know them.

All the best,

Rich