Episode 14 - Why You Need Networking Goals

In today’s episode, we’ll begin a 3-part series that goes into everything about networking. Today we’ll discuss what is networking, how to get clear on your networking goals and how to make networking fun and easy.

Next week’s episode, episode 15, will go into Networking Strategy and how to network in just a couple easy steps and Episode 16 will talk all about tips to make you stand out when you’re networking. 

Now, Everyone knows that networking is important, almost crucial for career advancement and success. But with the craziness of day-to-day life, sometimes it’s hard to find the time to actually network and build relationships! 

So how can you make networking something that is easy to do, that fits in your schedule and something that you actually want to do? 

Listen in as I am going to start this 3-part series off by talking about making networking fun and setting the initial goal.

 
Find the full show notes for this episode at RecoveringCorpoholics.com/14.

Networking helps you build your network. And your network is what gives you access to opportunities that will advance your life. Not only opportunities, but insights that you may have not of though of. People they can put you in contact with that may get you ahead. 

I can go into all of the benefits of networking but if you’re in a Big 4, you already know that networking is key. The real question in my mind is how. 

What is networking?

And I want to start off by saying that when most people think about networking, they think about who they can reach out to when they need a job or a favor. 

You know, a random opportunity drops in your lap and you need a recommendation letter. You know who the best person to reach out to is but you haven’t talked to them in so long!

So, you try to play it cool – “Hey Joe, how’s it going…. Great, so I was wondering……”

And this is what gives networking a bad rep. You may feel uncomfortable asking and the person you reach out to may feel as though you only want to talk to them for one reason. 

And that’s not always the case but this is what causes people to shy away from reaching out when they could use the help. It’s because they only reach out when they need it vs keeping those relationships up.

Networking is more than sales and people to help you land than next job. 

Networking Is a 2-way street. It’s a way to get to know someone, build a relationship and see how you both can fulfill each other’s needs. And it doesn’t have to be so transactional - as you refer me, I refer you. 

It could also be just someone where you both enjoy each other’s company, like making a friend!

Your network is the people who are going to support you and lift you up when you think you can’t go any further. The people that will help get you to your finish line. Your network is made up of the people that give back to you and that you also give back to them. 

And I just want to caveat this by saying, that other than being shy to reach out to someone because it’s been some time, some people also shy away from networking because they feel that they have nothing to share or give to someone. 

I want to stop you and say you always have something to give to someone. 

Even if it’s the CEO of a big company, with all the resources in the world, you still have your perspective, you still have relationships they don’t and you give them the best gift, which is the gift of allowing them to give back to you... 

Find the Full Show Notes Here.