Most people avoid networking. They think they don’t have the time or the interpersonal skills. They would rather spend time with their family, go to a ball game or dinner with friends or play a round of golf. The good news is, hanging out with friends and colleagues is networking. 

Prior to my departure from Gateway Computers in 2003, I never thought I would be good at networking because I think of myself as a shy person.  But through my experience as the founder of CaféNet, a sponsor-only networking group of 200+ business professionals, I have learned some important lessons about networking.

Some people avoid the entire idea of networking because they think it means “working the room” at a conference or otherwise extending themselves in a way that makes them uneasy.  But networking comes in many forms, some of which are a normal part of your everyday life: meeting new people while getting a manicure, handing your card to your kid’s soccer coach, or mentioning your career aspirations to your book club. 

The most comfortable way to start networking is with people you already know: friends, family, colleagues, and acquaintances. For example, try having lunch with a small group of former colleagues every other month. In addition to enjoying the company of friends, you will also be able to share your new ventures, needs and successes.

Networking is not about immediate results, so don’t be disheartened if many of your new acquaintances are short-term. Over time, others will join your inner circle of important professional colleagues. It’s not the number of people in your network that’s important, but the quality of the relationships.

The hardest part of networking is doing it consistently, especially if you think of yourself as shy. But networking is like any other skill: the more you do it, the more effectively you will do it and the easier it will become.

You cannot afford not to network if you wish to be secure in your employment. Whether you think you are in a stable position or looking for new career opportunities, network … network …  network.

Working Smart + Living Your Values = Balance in Life