The Power of Networking

A few years ago, I went on the hunt for a good networking group. I quickly realized that one size does not fit all. I wanted to find the right setting for me to be able to connect with other professionals and find the win/win that comes with giving and receiving referrals. After a few false starts, I happened upon a powerful, professional women’s networking group.

The group was perfect in that it met only monthly, offered lots of social and committee opportunities, is extremely well run, and includes some of the best people I’ve ever met in my life. I’m not sure that until this time I actually fully understood the power of networking. Not only are referrals given happily, but assistance and support are also readily available.

How wonderful is it to be in a room of like-minded people who have the goal of supporting and helping each other? I’ve yet to leave a meeting without a big dose of energy and motivation from the other members. The power of putting people together to learn and grow can never be minimized. Yet networking can be hard and stressful for those of us who don’t love a lot of social interactions. That’s why finding the right group is so important.

A Heuristic for Finding the Right Group

Ask yourself a few questions to find the right networking setting for you.

1. How often would I like to connect with people?
2. Who exactly would be the right people to have at those meetings?
3. What do I have to offer others and what do I want from others?
4. Are there opportunities to connect with members in other ways and if so, am I interested?
5. Is the group I’m looking for just the path of least resistance or really beneficial to my personal and professional growth?

Try a few meetings out prior to committing. Some networking groups insist on a specific number of referrals per month. That didn’t fly for me, but it might be good for you. Some allow only one absence a year and others are a bit more flexible. Which is right for you? Do you need networking to grow your business or to stay connected in your business or industry?

Finally, have a really good elevator speech prepared for any networking events you attend. Assume that you’ll have about thirty seconds to introduce yourself, so you want that thirty seconds to be engaging and interesting. What do you want someone to walk away with after they’ve met you? Your elevator speech should include that.

Networking has felt like the businessperson’s version of play dates! It has been so enjoyable to connect with other professionals and to look for ways to support and refer to each other. More than that, however, has been the benefit of connecting with other people who struggle with some of the same issues that I do. Working in a silo isn’t beneficial for any of us, so get out there and do some networking. You won’t regret it.

Love,

Lisa Kaplin Psy. D. PCC