It’s a small world: networking for career progression!

In many societies, networking is a way of life. Social relationships are fundamental to doing business, especially in smaller communities. As life in bigger communities has broadened our networks, employers have grown more distant and our use of technology means that we are no longer in regular, personal contact with everyone we know. But “who you know” is still as important as what you know. The ability to build and maintain a web of both internal and external work connections is key to successful career development.

Confidence is vital to networking, along with self-belief and social competence. If you think networking sounds really challenging, the time to start practicing is now! It can happen at any time, anywhere, often without conscious effort. It could entail a chance encounter or a structured meeting. If you are looking for career development, be aware of the networks you already have, and those you can cultivate and grow. The more focused and specific your career goal, the more you will know who you need in your network!

You could start by writing a list or drawing a diagram of all your personal contacts, which will lead in turn to their personal contacts. Have you heard of the concept of “the Six Degrees”, which was popularized in a play by John Guare, and later by Malcolm Gladwell, author of “The Tipping Point” and “Blink”? The concept puts forward the claim that there are only six contacts between you and anyone you wish to meet.

The more you have in common with someone the easier it is to talk to them. That’s where to start, but then move on to more challenging networking. If you feel shy or awkward, try networking via Twitter.  It's a quick and easy way to start talking to someone without being face to face. The best contacts for career development are the “weak links” – the ones you don’t know very well and whom you see rarely – because they offer possibilities which you are less likely to have heard about.  Follow them on Twitter to start with!

Be pro-active! The more you network, the easier it becomes.

For further advice on networking contact Blue Sky Reflections.

You can also read:

“Confident Networking” by Gael and Stuart Lindenfield

“How to Talk so People Listen” by Sonya Hamlin