How Networking Can Benefit You
In all professional communities, and especially in the business world, people talk about the importance of networking. However, the practice of networking does not necessarily come naturally to some people. Some say that it makes them feel fake. The desire to advance oneself seems like questionable motivation for talking to people. It seems selfish and maybe even immoral. To other people, it may seem tiring or terrifying. For people who are not naturally extroverts, it seems draining to interact with others, especially with a specific goal in mind. But here are a few examples in which networking is a valuable tool.
The Story of Betsy
Betsy is a single mother, raising two children on her own. She works odd hours at a supermarket, and doesn’t get to spend as much time with them as she would like. She longs to be able to set her own hours and decide her own time off. Betsy has a strong interest in and enthusiasm for vintage jewelry. She enjoys combing flea markets and thrift stores for new pieces. She dreams of making her living by selling fine costume jewelry wholesale. In this case, Betsy could really benefit from networking with other women who have gone into business for themselves. She needs to hear the stories of how these other women got started and how they have maintained their businesses. Betsy could join a female entrepreneurs’ group online, or simply ask around in her group of friends to find out if anyone can give her any pointers.
The Story of Carson
Carson is 21 years old. He is just about to graduate from college. As a graduation gift, his grandfather plans to give him a large sum of money. Carson knows that he does not want to squander that money like the Biblical prodigal son. He wants to invest the money. However, given the precarious nature of the stock market and all of the investment scandals he’s read about, Carson is wary. He doesn’t want to jump into anything blindly. He has been combing the business section of his local bookstore for investing books, but is that enough? Probably not. Carson needs to speak with experienced investors, and a stock broker or two if he can find the. He should ask his grandfather and any of his grandfather’s business savvy friends for advice.
The Story of Dennis
Twenty years ago, Dennis launched into business for himself, running a motorcycle repair shop. Now, at 64, he is beginning to think about retirement. Not now, but in the next ten years or so. His son Trevor is the ideal candidate to take over the company. He is enthusiastic about the opportunity to carry on his dad’s business. Dennis is concerned about making the transition smooth, and taking all the necessary precautions to protect his son and his beloved business. He needs to talk with others who have been through the same process, and needs to seek their advice in his business succession planning.
In all of these situations, networking is a very valuable and important technique. It is a skill worth developing, even if you don’t naturally excel at it. It becomes much easier when you approach it as a chance to get to know people. You can learn a lot from simply taking genuine interest in their experiences.