Networking was a word that buzzed around the more “business” type people in my office. At that time I was a computer engineer. The whole concept of networking took on a negative connotation. By watching them, I made some very negative associations that I have had to break through now that I am on the path of the MBA. The first negative association was that networking was simply the moment where someone who walked by you every day without even a glance, suddenly realized you have something of value to them. That’s the moment they walk up to you with a fake smile and a handshake, and act as if you both have been best friends forever. It’s been hard for me not to feel self-serving and insincere when I make my half-hearted attempts at networking. I know this has to change and that networking is the key to opening doors and getting things done in business. In “Networking for People Who Hate Networking”, Penelope Trunk explains well how you do not have to be a manipulator to network. I liked the point where she explained that networking can not only add value to your life but can add value to others lives as well. I love to socialize and make new friends. This made me realize that I should frame networking in a similar context. I may not be making friends to talk about movies with, but these could be friends I can talk about various career opportunities with. Liz Ryan explains in “The Savvy Networker” how people always remember an individual, not the individual’s professional life. This is so true. It made me think of the people I like and remember. At the end it doesn't matter if one person is more qualified than another; what matters is if I would want to interact and work with him/her. Let’s also hope the right ones want to interact with me too!
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4 comments:
Shruti, the picture you have here is hilarious!
I hear you about the overcoming the negative connotation; I had to go through it myself. Generally, though, I think people who did not notice you and only came to you after you've become "useful" waste their time. First, why would you want to help them? They are unreliable and just want to use you. As soon as you become less "useful" chances are, they'd stop noticing you again. Second, as a rule, these kind of folks are not "useful" themselves. With this level of social skills (being so obviously insincere), they are not gonna go very far.
That's a really interesting take on things. I never really thought of networking in a negative way, but it certainly makes sense as you explain it. But hey, who isn't willing to be a little 'fake' if it can get you somewhere! If possible, sincerity is always better :)
If you go into networking with a positive attitude and an understanding that everyone benefits from it, I don't think you'll keep feeling fake. Networking is a dance and you have to be passionate about the dance in order to look good.
We're all human, meaning we're all self-serving in nature. Understanding this is important b/c it's all psychological. You're not out there to take advantage of people but acknowledging how the human psyche works and making it work for you will help. Like Andy said, it's a dance and you have to understand it's a 2-way street. With an honest, positive attitude, everybody benefits.
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