How to Use your Network To Get Ahead
We created a three part series on using your network to get ahead. This is Part Two. For Part One, visit this link.
A Starting Point Is Similarities
If you're looking for a way to make connections in your network, try starting with the most obvious thing - what you have in common. A commonality or similarity in ambition, goals, recreation or even dating style can all be a starting point for a new network connection. It's human nature to gravitate towards people who share our interests, and it doesn't always take much digging to find out what other people are interested in.
Look for opportunities to meet people in your network by expressing what you are interested in or aligning in interest with others who you feel can help you succeed. The best way to find out what others are interested in is by asking questions.
Take a Natural Interest In Others' Lives
I'm sure you can relate to this: it's 5 o'clock on a Friday, and your work day is finally over. You're feeling tired, but looking forward to the weekend. After checking your email one more time, you shut down your computer for the day. But before heading home for some relaxation time with family and friends, there's just one more thing that needs to be done - going out of your way to engage in conversation with someone new at work.
That might seem like an easy enough task right? However, we are all pretty terrible when it comes to meeting new people! It takes about 3-5 interactions before most of us will be comfortable talking with a new face. It might be hard for some to generally think of others' interest and care about their lives. that is okay, not everyone has a natural talent for talking but this can be developed.
One surprising find is that the connections we value the most are those that we develop at an early age. use those connections to meet the people they are meeting to help you get ahead. I just found out that one of the guys I went to High school with recently learned how to install truck bed racks. So if you need some help in Washington on a new truck rack, I know a guy.
Don’t be surprised if people you meet today, you never see again, or once your circumstance changes, your paths will diverge and the distance changes the relationship. Don't burn the bridge. A soft connection to someone you have know for the last 15 years goes a long way when either side need to introduce a friend.
But the buddies in High School will always be top of memory for most. Maybe even the center of a lot of social interactions.
This isn’t a bad thing, keep the connection alive through social channels. We aren’t talking about a daily post directed at them, we are talking about having their information if they need to be contacted again in the future.
Offer help when appropriate to others in your network
One of the best ways to make connections in your network is to offer help when appropriate. This can be as simple as sending an email with the contact information of someone you know that could have helped someone in your network, or having lunch with them and chatting about what they do.
There is a limit to this, however. We all have that one friend who is constantly asking for help, or worse yet, wants to borrow money. It's tough to say no and not seem like a jerk, but it's also appropriate to limit the amount of time you spend helping others in your network that are not reciprocating help. If they are always asking for favors without reciprocating then it may be time to rethink the value they are bringing to the relationship.
Another caveat to know is that in some major cities in the US and around the globe people expect a monetary benefit to making introductions. Know the terms before you sign on the dotted line.
Know your audience
The first rule of asking for help from your network is to know who you need help from.
You probably have a decent idea of what kind of people you need to connect with but a little bit of research going into an important conversation could be the difference of continuing a relationship and making it a one and done.
On the flip side of that, others may be reaching out to you to expand their network and utilize you as a resource. Have a position on how you intend to help others. Some people will ask for all of your time while others just need a quick tip. Whatever it is, know what your response is and your limits to helping others.
Using Your Network
As your network grows and you meet new people with, I'll say it, random skillsets, you will find that there really is not problem that you and your network can't handle. Eventually, someone in your corner is going to know the perfect person to help get you ahead. That could be at work, in the neighborhood or on the basketball court. Make the connection and keep building relationships.