Formal definition: the action or process of interacting with others to exchange information and develop professional or social contacts.

1. At times, the words “bargaining” or “negotiating” are also associated with networking

Networking is learning and asking questions. It is finding things in common. It is also having the courage to feel comfortable reaching out to acquaintances or strangers and doing so especially when it feels uncomfortable. In this article, I will explore some of the ins and outs of networking and how I believe it is done effectively, like a pro.

What is your motive? In other words, why are you networking?

It is time to blow off old understandings of networking. It isn’t a cold-hearted sales pitch from an aspiring professional who wants something from an experienced professional. It isn’t transactional. But it’s not the opposite either. Networking isn’t just meeting up for drinks with colleagues or potential future colleagues to hang out and talk small talk. There should be motive. There should be a reason for spending your time and energy on growing your professional circle. Do’s and Don’t’s below.

Networking Do’s

1. Do sign up for networking events
2. Do contact people on LinkedIn or email
3. Make any event a networking event
   • Going to a birthday party or meeting a friend of a friend at the bowling alley or talking with your parents’ friends can all be networking. Ask them questions about their interests. Instead of, “What do you do for work?” try “What do you enjoy doing? Are you working on any interesting projects lately?”
   • Depending on the situation, you can create valuable, accessible contacts without straying too far from your current circle.
4. Do introduce yourself to several people at events, gatherings, on LinkedIn, over email. Cover your bases in person and digitally
   • “Several” does not mean “all” – do your research. What can you find out about the people you are going to engage with? Do their interests and goals align with yours? Networking is not a collection of blind attempts to strike it big and cut deals with successful or wealthy people (buzzword alert: mentors). Connect with several people in a meaningful way. It takes time to learn about them from meaningful conversation(s). Jumping from one intro to the next and tossing your business cards at everyone can leave a shallow, transactional impression.
5. Do ALWAYS follow up
   • Thank you, I appreciate your time, I really enjoyed learning about…, You mentioned… and I wanted to ask you…
   • Example: “Hi Jeff, it was great to see you again at my Mom’s birthday party last week. I enjoyed hearing that your kids are doing so well in school and it was fun learning more about the project you are working on. I have a couple of follow up questions as your work aligns with my interests and goals. I would like to set up a 30-minute call to talk with you more. Do you have any availability in the next two weeks? I look forward to hearing from you. Have a great day, sign your name.”
   • If you do not receive a response, follow up within two weeks of your original outreach: “Hi Jeff, I hope you are doing well. I am following up from my previous email to see if you are available for a phone call. I am still excited to learn more about your work and hope we can connect again. Thank you, sign your name.”

Networking Don’t’s

1. Don’t ask for contact information first or after a short exchange
   • Make sure you introduce yourself
   • Ask about the other person more than you tell them about yourself
2. Don’t avoid networking events – show up and put the work in
3. Don’t drag out conversations. Also known as recognize when the conversation has run its course.
   • This is true for good, quality interactions and bad ones – be respectful of people’s time
   • There is a difference between a quality 5 minute conversation and pestering someone with questions when they are not interested.
   • Look for signs like short answers and/or no eye contact
4. Don’t over sell yourself or your skills. You should have something to offer but less is more.

Keep your networking short and sweet, like this article. Being over-informed isn’t helpful. Confuse you lose!

I made sure the “Don’t’s” section was shorter than the “Do’s”. I want you to feel confident in your learning process with networking. One last Don’t: Don’t overthink it. Don’t worry about all of the things you shouldn’t be doing. Enjoy the explanations of the Do’s above and good luck in your social and professional networking experiences!