In today's world, a good network is crucial for a successful career. A separate social network has even been created for it…. LinkedIn. But admit it, your LinkedIn network is not the same as your real network. It is just a little easier to 'quickly send out a connection request via LinkedIn' than to approach someone in 'real life', to introduce yourself or to have a chat, right? And don't you think that 'Networking' has really become a buzz word? I've been looking up where the word actually comes from : A network in the sense of "net-like arrangement of threads, wires, etc., anything formed in the manner of or presenting the appearance of a net or netting," dates back to the years 1550. The term networking as a verb - in the sense of 'cultivating productive relationships for recruiting or business' is much more recent. The first use apparently goes back to 1967
But my initial question was actually 'Is networking' also 'working'?! Surely money can be made with it! There are many courses to follow on how to network well. From fundamentals to advanced; from offline to online; or also how to get more out of your network. So, apparently it's a skill you can learn?! That's good news! Nevertheless. You may also know them, those natural network-workers. Those people who do not have to take a course. Those people who apparently don't have to make an effort, who constantly start conversations with complete strangers. Whether it is within the working atmosphere, at a professional event, or even in a relaxed setting such as at a music festival when you are queuing for fries or the bar. Out of genuine interest and curiosity, they start a conversation. To then finish half an hour later exchanging contact details because it turns out that one works as a salesman for an energy supplier and the other one just happens to be looking for a new energy contract following recent price increase. Do you recognise this?! And this I find simply fantastic!! This is what I consider a real networker. And yes, I so admire that! Not those organised networking events where everyone is present with a predefined specific goal. But authentic networking : starting from sincere interest, without a hidden agenda. And to move spontaneously to that common denominator, even without looking for it. (I can assure you : day 3 at Werchter music-festival you are really not busy with professional net-working) And then it's not working, no. Then it's just about being you. Always. Everywhere . I'm not an authentic natural networker, regretfully! I need a little more time to make that connection. So yes, I read those books too, and I try to get better at them. And there is progress. Slowly.
I mostly remember :
that networking starts from genuine interest, without a hidden agenda. And thát I can do well!
You may find following interesting read :
Comments