Networking and engagement

"How do you network?" — a question I was asked recently. We never get taught how to network, do we? A few thoughts:

1. Make it a habit to get to know people, not just meet them

Networking begins with developing the habit that you routinely get to know people. Very simple, but important. Don't just meet people, or work with them, but get to know them. Have conversations that help you get to know them.

Ask about their weekend. Or their family. Or their hobbies. Or their favourite band. Learn something you didn't know.

2. Connect with the person on email or text or social media

This means you have a communication channel that you can go back to. Most people you can find on LinkedIn if you forget to ask for an email.

For co-workers, it's great to connect on LinkedIn, for the reason below.

3. Follow up after you meet the person

Remarkably simple, but after meeting someone (or having a more friendly chat with a colleague you didn't know as well), follow up with an email or LinkedIn message. This does two things.

First, it takes you all of 5 minutes to solidify the connection that little bit more. (Because most people NEVER follow up.)

Second, this way, you've got a line of communication established that you can return to.

4. When you next think of the person, or their company, or are in their neighbourhood, message them to say so

Networking is essentially the business version of friendship. And we all love it when a friend drops a message to say hi. So just do the business version.

If someone's company gets mentioned in the news, you can message and say you thought of them.

If someone lives in a city that you're going to, you can message them to say you're going there. Even if you don't meet them, the act of doing it keeps the relationship going.

Easy. So easy. Just requires slowing down.