Leave the Lizard out of the Way

It’s strangely puzzling why we ignore networking all along the way, pacifying it only when desperate measures are required. We gravely mistake that networking is required only when one is looking at a desperate change in career.

A network has to be built and nurtured gradually, much before the need arises. It needs to be constantly worked upon to keep it going strong. So, if you think that attending events or gathering business cards is helping you build the network that will rally round you someday, you could not be farther from truth. To garner benefits from your network, you need to know how to make it work in a manner that is mutually beneficial for everyone involved in your network.

The first thing that you must do is to silence your lizard brain. When you read Seth Godin's new book Linchpin you will understand this concept better. I will explain it concisely here. Lizard brain is that corner of your mind and attitude that allows fear to take over good judgement. When you procrastinate or evade something that you need to do because it is more convenient not to do it, it is the lizard brain that is dominating at that moment.

With your lizard brain safely out of the way, you can start with the most universally accepted networking tip. Be the first one to offer help, and people will return the favor. Your credibility grows when you keep appointments and promises, verify facts and deliver services, which in turn, is important to create your goodwill in a network. Experts believe that when you keep nothing, kills a budding relationship faster than failure to live up to the expectations both explicit and implicit.

If you maintain a good networking relationship with your peer, you can be rest assured that it will pay off in the long run. Look beyond your current need, you never know whose favour can change your life. If you maintain a steady relationship within your network, it is bound to pay off. On the contrary, if you are always tapping into your network for temporary benefits, it is likely to hurt your long term credibility. Don’t kill to eat today, rather focus on becoming known and developing long term relationships based on trust which will prove to be more beneficial to everybody concerned.

One easy way of following up is to share information such as a relevant anecdote, marketing tip or other resources through email. Keeping seemingly inconsequential promises and casual conversations can be as important for business success as rendering reliable services and products.

It’s crucial to reach out to people from different fields, diverse socio-economic backgrounds and nationalities because they can offer innovative and creative solutions and contacts. Building an appealing image can go a long way in attracting business and opportunities. It does you no good to be an expert on something unless people know you well enough to call you. Initiating social exchange of any kind makes others comfortable enough to reach out when they feel they need for your expertise.

Living in an age where people have little time to socialise, online networking can strengthen connections. When you post your original, relevant articles on Twitter or Facebook (though I am not on it), you not only show your commitment towards pertinent business issues but also provide value to your virtual friends. It keeps you on top of other people’s minds by showing them your involvement in your industry and is a good way to continue your relationship with those you know.

But remember that online communication is not sufficient, especially when dealing with new contacts and should be followed by in-person contact. When people know someone virtually they feel more comfortable initiating a meeting… but technology can never replace human touch.