Struggling with trying to network with professionals

Struggling with trying to network with professionals We got an email from user L last week with two issues I want to address one today. He says: I am struggling with trying to network with professionals. Not a whole lot of information in the email what kind of struggling? They arent responding to your calls or emails? Or, you dont know how to approach them in the first place? Or, you actually get to have meetings with them but then nothing happens from there? When I started my job search 12 years ago I learned that networking was the way to go and applying online was a waste of time. So, I tried to figure out how to network. The problem was that, as an introvert and a technologist, Id much rather sit at home and do my job search efficiently than take hours and hours out of my day and routine to go to a network event, or meet someone at a restaurant. The hours and hours came from drive time, getting ready time, and arriving early and/or staying late. Did I mention introvert? The whole process could be exhausting, with a healthy dose of concern about whether this would be a fruitful meeting or if people would just think I was an idiot (second guessing myself has been one of my top skills). Sitting in front of a computer was much easier, much more comfortable, and seemed a lot more productive. But everyone knew, and said, that you had to network. What if it just wasnt working? Maybe, I figured, it wasnt that networking wasnt working, but that I wasnt understanding it and doing it right. The turning point in my networking journey came when I read Never Eat Alone. I cant recommend that book enough. This was THE book that changed my mindset on networking. It wasnt something to do so I could benefit, rather it was something to do so everyone could benefit. I went into networking opportunities with a completely different attitude and goals. It had now become fun and exciting. Instead of getting to network events late and skipping out early, I was anxious to be one of the first ones there and one of the last to leave. What because of this? I remember one conversation where I pretty much had a job offer in the bag, and at a networking event told this guy about it and said he should interview, because he was definitely a better candidate than I was. He got the job, and I got immense satisfaction knowing that I had a small part in that. Seriously, it was thrilling to give that away to him. That was a manifestation of my change in attitude. I wasnt in it for ME, I was in it for WE. I helped and I gave. I went from What can I get to what can I give you, which was great. But the next transition was huge. It was: Hey, I heard you mention this you need to talk to so-and-so. Ill send you an introduction today. Heres what that looks like: I started at: What can I get?  Im in this for me and this is why a lot of networking feels sleezy. Then, I transitioned to: What can I give you? This is a question youll hear from networkers, and it shows they are helpful, and ready to invest some capital into the networking bank maybe hoping to draw on it later. Nothing wrong with being here. But then, something magical happened when I didnt ask that question, and didnt wait for them to know what they wanted (heck, I didnt know what I why expect everyone else to know?): I heard you say this you need to talk to my friend, Ill do the introduction today. This goes into really listening and caring, and then opening up your network (risking, to a degree, your own reputation) and proactively making an introduction. #3 is why I was so excited to go to network meetings. I couldnt wait to connect people, and really, really help them. This went way beyond the superficial smile and handshake and we should do lunch (the lunch that never happens). This was meaningful, and it was fun. Along the way my relationships with individuals grew and strengthened, my reach expanded, and I was fulfilled. It was AWESOME. In summary, to a very vague question I give you two suggestions: First, get Never Eat Alone. I hope you absorb it the way I did. Second, transition from a what can I get goal/attitude to a Im going to give something to you today not sure what, but Im listening for where I can add value, and will give it attitude. This gamifies networking, makes it fun, and puts you in a much different position. Have a more specific networking question? Im all ears. Leave a comment or email me. Struggling with trying to network with professionals We got an email from user L last week with two issues I want to address one today. He says: I am struggling with trying to network with professionals. Not a whole lot of information in the email what kind of struggling? They arent responding to your calls or emails? Or, you dont know how to approach them in the first place? Or, you actually get to have meetings with them but then nothing happens from there? When I started my job search 12 years ago I learned that networking was the way to go and applying online was a waste of time. So, I tried to figure out how to network. The problem was that, as an introvert and a technologist, Id much rather sit at home and do my job search efficiently than take hours and hours out of my day and routine to go to a network event, or meet someone at a restaurant. The hours and hours came from drive time, getting ready time, and arriving early and/or staying late. Did I mention introvert? The whole process could be exhausting, with a healthy dose of concern about whether this would be a fruitful meeting or if people would just think I was an idiot (second guessing myself has been one of my top skills). Sitting in front of a computer was much easier, much more comfortable, and seemed a lot more productive. But everyone knew, and said, that you had to network. What if it just wasnt working? Maybe, I figured, it wasnt that networking wasnt working, but that I wasnt understanding it and doing it right. The turning point in my networking journey came when I read Never Eat Alone. I cant recommend that book enough. This was THE book that changed my mindset on networking. It wasnt something to do so I could benefit, rather it was something to do so everyone could benefit. I went into networking opportunities with a completely different attitude and goals. It had now become fun and exciting. Instead of getting to network events late and skipping out early, I was anxious to be one of the first ones there and one of the last to leave. What because of this? I remember one conversation where I pretty much had a job offer in the bag, and at a networking event told this guy about it and said he should interview, because he was definitely a better candidate than I was. He got the job, and I got immense satisfaction knowing that I had a small part in that. Seriously, it was thrilling to give that away to him. That was a manifestation of my change in attitude. I wasnt in it for ME, I was in it for WE. I helped and I gave. I went from What can I get to what can I give you, which was great. But the next transition was huge. It was: Hey, I heard you mention this you need to talk to so-and-so. Ill send you an introduction today. Heres what that looks like: I started at: What can I get?  Im in this for me and this is why a lot of networking feels sleezy. Then, I transitioned to: What can I give you? This is a question youll hear from networkers, and it shows they are helpful, and ready to invest some capital into the networking bank maybe hoping to draw on it later. Nothing wrong with being here. But then, something magical happened when I didnt ask that question, and didnt wait for them to know what they wanted (heck, I didnt know what I why expect everyone else to know?): I heard you say this you need to talk to my friend, Ill do the introduction today. This goes into really listening and caring, and then opening up your network (risking, to a degree, your own reputation) and proactively making an introduction. #3 is why I was so excited to go to network meetings. I couldnt wait to connect people, and really, really help them. This went way beyond the superficial smile and handshake and we should do lunch (the lunch that never happens). This was meaningful, and it was fun. Along the way my relationships with individuals grew and strengthened, my reach expanded, and I was fulfilled. It was AWESOME. In summary, to a very vague question I give you two suggestions: First, get Never Eat Alone. I hope you absorb it the way I did. Second, transition from a what can I get goal/attitude to a Im going to give something to you today not sure what, but Im listening for where I can add value, and will give it attitude. This gamifies networking, makes it fun, and puts you in a much different position. Have a more specific networking question? Im all ears. Leave a comment or email me.