I built my coaching business the old-fashioned way – I talked to people. I built my business one conversation at a time. I’m not a great or flashy marketer and I’m even less comfortable as an assertive salesperson, yet I’ve built a really successful business and do work that is exciting and meaningful to me every day. By networking. There, I said it. I networked. I met people and I talked to them, listened to them, and shared with them what I do and how what I do might be beneficial to them or someone they know.
Many people think that since they don’t have their own business, there is no need for them to network. Nothing could be further from the truth. Networking can help you get promotions in your organization or get picked for new projects. Networking can help you find a new job because you know people at an organization you are applying to. Networking means having a conversation with someone, asking them questions, getting to know them. It doesn’t have to be anything more intense than that. It can, however, also be a way to ask for something you want or offer something you have and to also ask how you can support the other person.
You can also network for your personal life. You can meet other parents, or other people with similar interests. You can support each other in personal endeavors or make recommendations to each other. My greatest networking successes came when I was a new mother. Meeting other mothers helped me find resources for my family, support for me, and new opportunities for friendships that I wouldn’t have found otherwise.
Recent studies show that Americans are experiencing a loneliness epidemic. Networking will also help with that. When we network, we meet people, we engage, we look for ways to support and help each other. We may even find some good friends in the process. If you are weary of networking, start small. Set a goal of one short networking conversation a month. See how it goes and then add on from there. Maybe consider a networking group that meets regularly. Go out and have some conversations with people. You might be surprised at how enjoyable and beneficial networking can be.
Love,
Lisa Kaplin Psy. D. PCC