I took an assessment some time ago called The Birkman. It was a great insight into my interests, usual style (how people see me), my underlying needs, as well as my stress behaviors…great assessment. The coach interpreting the assessment for me said “Robin – you are a true networker”. It is true, I love to connect with people, chat (hence…blogging to take care of those times when I want to talk and no one is around!) and basically see where I might have or know of something that will help someone with a need of their own. I just love connecting people to answers or pointing them in a helpful direction – makes me feel good! (That’s the ‘what’s in it for me’ part).

So, networking is in my genes – but, what if it isn’t in yours? Some people just loathe the ‘networking’ term. They envision the old used car salesman adage – everyone standing around a networking meeting with a big smile on, trying to figure out how to use everyone else to get what they need.

But, what if you could just reframe this for a moment? What if you had something to offer (knowledge or resources) that could help someone with a need they have? (Now, don’t say you don’t…) And, likewise – what if you’re talking to someone and they have a resource that can help you? This is all networking and connecting. It’s the connection that is important. Stay away from thinking of it as if you’re shark bait (or maybe the shark).

Focus on finding out what others need and see if you can fill the need – you’ll see how good that can feel and how quickly you can build strong personal and professional networks. Reframe the way you think about networking into a tool that helps you help others. It’s easy – just decide you are going to think differently (reframe) and then do it.

In Michael Dulworth’s book: The Connect Effect; he notes “Few of us are born successful networkers…” “To accelerate your personal and professional growth, you need to make the active development and enhancement of your networks a priority in your life.”

Ok – get out there and try something fresh and new. If you’re not sure where to start check out our links page where there are loads of suggestions.

Posted by Robin Ogden – FiredUP Careers

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