'Network' and 'networking' is such a common word, and concept. We often do not pause to wonder what it is. I suspect each one of us has an idea of what this means, and it isn't always the same thing when held up to a little bit of scrutiny.
I know for many of us, the term networking throws up the image of a very extroverted person, talking to everyone at an event or party. This is probably a valid kind of networking but it brings certain assumptions with it. 1) You need to be an extrovert. 2) 'Networking' can only be done with new people - who you do not know. There is a certain feverish tint to this word, which, in my unique situation right now, I'm finding is not the best way to think about this.
Networking is not exclusive to extroverts. Whether you want to or not, you network everyday, with people you work with, with friends and family. This 'extrovert' paradigm is a red herring. If you are not antisocial, you already network so don't feel like you have to be someone else to build a support system around you or be a support to others.
I also tend to think of networking in terms of breadth and depth. Knowing a lot of people, but not very well, is breadth. Knowing some, but very well - well enough that they recognize your talent and aptitude, is depth. In today's world, depth always trumps breadth.
What is the goal of this exercise called networking? If we dig just beyond the surface, oftentimes, unbeknownst to us, the impression we have is it's a way to get ahead, to have an advantage others do not have. Dig a bit deeper. This is an advantage because of 'who you know', literally. This already makes us a bit uncomfortable. Other thoughts include, networking will help us get things done, to our advantage, sometimes circumventing merit, because that's just how the world works. This may even be true, but the question is, what do YOU want networking to be?
I want networking to be not only a professional, but a social exercise. I want to network with people I also like (not just suck up to someone to get something). I want to provide value, and gain value. I want to be true to my values when I interact with someone professionally or socially.
It sounds correct, and good, and obvious. But is it easy? It's not. You have to be centered enough to know who you basically are to navigate these waters, rather than be carried away with social currents, that are often made up of fads that are the flavor of the month.
So, I would like to be pleasant, genuine, approachable; but most of all, I'd like to be true to what I hold worthy. Happy networking!
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