Making the mental leap
Make It Stand Out.
Ray Nicholls
No-one will tell you, ‘Network now!’ You usually feel compelled to do it because you have read something about it, you feel guilty as you haven’t made enough of an effort to do it recently OR you need something. (Advice, finding a new job, starting a project etc).
I need to make it clear right now that networking is not just talking to ‘headhunters’ and it certainly isn’t just using LinkedIn. Many people that I have met in my personal and professional life, focus only on this small part of networking. This we need to change.
If you work in a large corporate business there is an expectation that networking, conference attendance or sales pitches are central to your role. For other executives, the role they fulfil is based upon a professionally honed skillset such as law, accountancy, creative ability, or leadership. Self-promotion might not come naturally to these wonderful people.
Networking has the illusion of being difficult, and it can be. It does not have to be though. The chances are you are already doing ‘it’ in some way. Forget the ‘Networking’ word for a minute, that is the scary bit. (The part that conjures up the popular, well dressed people magnet surrounded by adorning fans at the conference). It’s actually talking and engaging with people. Peers, colleagues etc. People you know, like and trust. That is where you should begin. People like helping people. If someone you know and like asks you for a favour, I’ll bet your immediate answer is yes and to help in some way.
Chasing an audience with people you do not know is a gamble, it will mostly be disappointing. You are more likely to celebrate incremental success by having a well thought through approach and making it regular and planned rather than spontaneous.
Look at the MyExecLoop logo, a nucleus with electrons flying around it. This is how I recommend you view your networking strategy. Seek guidance from those closest to you and work outwards from there via recommendation and introductions.
MyExecLoop’s mission is to encourage people to network properly without the distraction of social media and being encouraged to broadcast themselves badly. I want people to explain to their best network contacts that MyExecLoop is how they stay in touch. MyExecLoop is how they plan their networking, building it into their monthly routine. Imagine your top 20-30 contacts on LinkedIn whom you value the most and want to stay in touch with regularly. This is who MyExecLoop is for.
