When I was younger and progressing my career with a large, successful organization I had a rather narrow and small network of relationships, internal to the organization, inclusive of a few vendors and recruiters. It wasn’t until my early forties when I experienced my first career transition – that’s a euphemism for getting let go as part of a massive restructure – that I began to learn about and appreciate the power of networking.  

 

“Networking is more about farming than it is about hunting.”

– Ivan Misner

 

The lessons I learned have stayed with me, contributing to my passion of helping others be their best selves.  Here’s what I learned.

Cultivate relationships

People who are really good at networking hold a mindset that relationships are important. They put effort into learning about others, asking questions and learning. Every new connection is an opportunity to form a new and different relationship that holds value in unique ways. I have been fortunate to have built relationships with all sorts of people that even through the passage of time result in welcoming communications and wishes of wellbeing.

 

Pay-it-forward

Networking is more about giving than it is about getting. If your approach to networking is to connect with only those people you think will help you, then you will most definitely come up short-changed. The most meaningful networking leverages the question “How might I support?” I was amazed, during that first career transition, how giving those with more experience and maturity were with their time, insights, and connections. I’ve never forgotten and still reach out more than a decade later to share how much I appreciated it.  Because of their role modeling, I have met with dozens of people experiencing a career transition or new business start-up to unconditionally offer my support.

 

Make new connections

Connecting people with similar interests grows everyone’s network. I have spent hours on LinkedIn helping to connect different people from my network so that they too may develop a relationship and further pay-it-forward. I ask for nothing in return, other than to keep in touch and let me know how things are going. It might be weeks or years later, but I oh so love receiving a message that shares how things transpired, new possibilities ignited.

 

When we engage a mindset of networking that is positive, generous, and unconditional anything can happen. Life is a journey, not a destination. Contribute along the way and enjoy the ride.

 

– Melissa Law