Client Question: “I know networking is important, but I just don’t have the time. How can I manage all that I have on my plate and do that effectively too?”
Networking is very important to do, but try not to think of it as this big thing you have to focus a huge amount of time and effort on to do it well. Networking can also be about the small things that you do each day, week or month that helps you connect to other people. Think about why you are doing it and what do you want to get out of it. This will help you start to create a plan. Here are some things that may spark ideas for you:
- Internal networking – Set up lunches or meetings with people that you want to meet with in your company. This may be to look for a future role, discuss a project, share opportunities, get advice, learn more about them, influence them or gain their alignment on an issue. Make a list of these people and get the meetings on your calendar. Fit them in your schedule in advance and then it just becomes another meeting on your calendar vs something you are trying to add to an already crowded plate.
- External networking – Identify some groups outside of your company that would benefit you. These may be groups in your industry, function or in area that interests you that you want to learn more about. You get to decide how much of your time you want to devote to these and why you are doing it. If you want to build connections, you can go all in and be an officer in the group or lead a committee. If you are trying to develop yourself and build a few connections, you can attend their special events or webinars. Follow up with these connections after the events as well to continue the relationship.
- Online networking – using LinkedIn or other social media sites can be used effectively to broaden your network. The next steps can be in person or online depending on how close you live to each other. You can reach out to a person to connect and then set up a call with them. You could set up a lunch out of it or attend an event together. You are trying to build a relationship with them and that can happen virtually or in person.
The most important thing about networking is that you need to be intentional about it and do it consistently. You cannot wait until you are ready to leave your job, because it is too late at that point. Get things scheduled on your calendar and connect with people regularly. Be clear about why you are doing it, the value you are providing and what you are getting out of it.
