Whether you network online or offline, the chances are that you will often have to leave your comfort zone. And by its very definition, leaving your comfort zone is going to feel uncomfortable. If you have to approach people you don’t know, you will inevitably feel slightly anxious. Will they engage with me? How will I come across? What if they don’t welcome my approach? Fear of failure often prevents us from taking action. But if you don’t try, you won’t know. And what is the worst thing that can happen? Remember that most people find networking intimidating and they will probably feel pleased that you have taken the time to strike up a conversation with them.
There are many different reasons why we need to network – to deepen relationships with colleagues and clients, raise our profile within our organisation, win new business, keep up to date with best practice in our field, and help our future career prospects. But although networking is important, it is also daunting. And if you’re working long hours, with other commitments outside the office, it can be easy to tell yourself that you don’t have time to network right now.
Most people assume that business networking means going to formal events where you have to drink warm white wine and eat dried-up egg sandwiches
But one day you might regret your decision not to invest in growing and maintaining your network – if you find yourself out of a job following a company restructuring or merger, for example, or if you miss out on a prized internal promotion. Then you might look back on the missed networking opportunities that you have in your current job and ask yourself why you didn’t make more of them.
Most people assume that business networking means going to formal events where you have to drink warm white wine and eat dried-up egg sandwiches. It can be a form of professional torture, particularly if suppliers and consultants swarm around you in the belief that you have a large budget to spend on their services and products. Actually, effective business networking is the process where you find, build and maintain mutually beneficial relationships. Note that there is nothing in this definition about having to go out and work a room. Networking can be simple if you let it.
Start by developing a basic networking strategy. Identify why you are networking, the people you would most like to meet and how they can help you achieve your career goals. Then put a plan of action in place. If you want to raise your profile internally, don’t ignore your organisation’s formal and informal social events. While a family fun day may be your idea of hell, it’s a great way to meet senior people in your organisation when they are feeling relaxed. And remember that being seen to support company initiatives by influential people in your organisation or department is always a great profile-raiser.
If you want to make more of a name for yourself in the wider treasury profession, it’s important to attend as many relevant conferences, briefings and seminars as you can. Not only are these a good opportunity to meet interesting people, who have similar professional interests to you, but you get to brush up on your professional knowledge at the same time. And if you’re actually invited to speak at an event, well, what are you waiting for? You will find that people come and actively seek you out in the drinks session afterwards, which makes networking easy.
Think about how you can use the internet effectively in your networking efforts. Have a LinkedIn account and fill in your profile. Remember this is not your CV, but your professional shop window to the world. So update your LinkedIn status a couple of times a week with what you are up to. This is a great way of getting the word out to your network that you are still here and around. Your status updates could include a good article you have found, a positive news story for your organisation or business, or more information about something you are working on.
Finally, networking doesn’t always have to be a daunting task that involves you leaving your comfort zone. It can be fun, too. If you’re travelling away from home, look through your business contacts to see who you could meet up with on your travels. You might find that a business chore turns into an enjoyable night out. If you’re at a party, take time to talk to friends of friends – they may turn out to be a useful professional connection. Above all, keep in contact with people you have worked with in your career. You never know when they may be able to help you with something, potentially even your next career move.
Heather Townsend is the author of the bestselling book The Financial Times Guide to Business Networking. Her latest book is entitled How to Make Partner and Still Have a Life