Authentic Networking
How to network authentically and with integrity has been much on my mind lately as I prepare for 2 presentations this week on that topic. I think because networking has such a bad reputation, lots of people are looking for alternatives.
As a starting place for thinking about how to network authentically, I’d like to share a recent Q&A I did with Jennifer Nachshen. I first learned about Jennifer when she wrote a neat article in the Globe and Mail called Doctor By Day, Fashion Blogger by Night, which I mentioned in an earlier post. I decided to contact Jennifer to learn more about her story, and she kindly agreed to a conversation. I really liked what she had to say about how she has approached networking, so (with her permission) I’m going to share some of her thoughts here:
Cathy: How did you connect with the opportunity to be a fashion blogger?
Jennifer: A friend forwarded me information about a website that wanted a blogger. When I applied, my letter literally said “I have no experience, but I can turn a phrase, and I’ve written some blogs … I was asked to do some trial runs. In a lot of ways I was very lucky. But it wasn’t just luck as at some point I had to put myself into the mix. The point is that opportunities are out there, and if you look for them and put yourself out there, eventually you will make a connection. But you have to be prepared for some failures along the way and just be able to pick up and keep going. I did get lucky, but I put myself right in the path of luck.
Cathy: Sounds like you heard about this first opportunity from someone in your network. How has building a network continued to be important as you build your new career as a writer?
Jennifer: I think it’s critical to take advantage of everyone you know and everyone you meet. They all have knowledge and experience to share. Network building is important, but it’s also fun. I love meeting people who are writing and being successful at it. They are usually very interesting people. I’ve managed to turn a number of those relationships into mutually beneficial friendships. We help each other in work and, because we have so much in common, socialize with each other as well. I’ve become so rich, both personally and professionally, through networking.
Cathy: A lot of people who are job searching are nervous about talking to other people and about asking for help. What has your experience of meeting new people been like?
Jennifer: People love to be acknowledged for their knowledge and expertise. I find people who I’m interested in and say “I’d love to take you to lunch and ask you questions about what you do and how you got to be doing what you are doing.” And most people say yes. People really want to help other people. Even if they can’t help you immediately, they might put you in the back of their minds and remember you when something else comes up.
Cathy: Some people feel like networking is fake. What about you?
Jennifer: For me it’s not fake because I’m actually genuinely curious. I’m actually enjoying it. I’m going to events and asking questions because I am truly interested in what other people have to say. I think that, if you feel it’s fake, you either need to check your own attitude or get out of the business. It’s only fake if you are faking. I never feign interest because everybody has something they can teach me, even if it’s about what NOT to do!
Sounds like Jennifer is on to something in her networking. She has been able to switch careers, into something that had been an interest, but not something that she had really been involved in, by talking with people. I particulary like how Jennifer finds networking is not fake for her, because she is always asking questions that she genuinely has.
Thanks again Jennifer!
Coming next … Inauthentic Networking - what makes networking so often feel so phony?
