OK, here it is! The second post on injecting less “work” into networking — in case you’re still looking for insights on “How to take the work out of networking?”
- Make it fun, not an obligation. Suggest meeting on a neutral turf outside of the norms of coffee or lunch. Find out a common interest and invite the person to attend an event based on that common interest. I once found out a networking connection was a big fan of a music group I adored. We made plans to meet up for early dinner and the show. We talked about that for months after! — Adrienne Graham, Founder of Mogul Chix @talentdiva
- Network for your three next jobs before you need them. Treat your community as your best company builder. — Erica Wassinger, Cofounder of The Startup Collaborative @ericars
- Stay true to yourself and use your own voice when speaking. It’s less about people liking you and more about establishing trust and letting people get to know who you really are. — Dawn Quaker, Founder, AUKERA Ventures @d_quaker
- LinkedIn monitoring, mail merge personal updates, and being an open connector. I take the time to introduce people in my circle to each other when it makes sense — if something major is going on that I may have missed, I can count on my inner circle to bring it to light because they’re in touch with that key relationship too. — Jessica Sobhraj, CEO at Cosynd @JessicaSobhraj
- Taking the work out of networking is easy if you just treat it like chatting with a purpose! — Cassidy Williams, Senior software engineer at L4 Digital @cassidoo
- My Greek-American genes make me naturally curious and with little fear of talking to strangers so I never want it to feel like work. But in those moments when it could, I look for ways to make it fun. Maybe it’s seeing if I can get a stern looking person to smile, or complimenting someone on their outfit to start a conversation. Remembering we are all humans who can learn from each other. Being my authentic self make it easier engage someone in conversation that make it feel natural and easy. — Joanne Tombrakos, Founder at One Woman’s Eye Consulting and Training @joannetombrakos
- Networking isn’t work when it’s genuine. Making a human connection should live at the core of your intentions. — Melissa Gonzalez, Founder, The Lionesque Group @MelsStyles
- Think about networking as relationship building. When there is genuine interest in getting to know someone beyond what they do or what they can do for you, the process becomes less forced and more enjoyable. — Van Adams, Founder VanAdams Sports Group @VanAdamsSports
Have you picked up a copy of Build Your Dream Network? It is available in hardcover, eBook and audio format. Love a paperback? You can pre-order your copy (January 2, 2018 release).
