Giver's Gain: The Key to Successful Networking

"Networking is the key to finding new opportunities, it's a terrific way to advance your career and grow your business."

If networking is so full of promise, why do most people get a sinking feeling when they hear the word?

Learning to connect with strangers can be challenging! Even confident, capable professionals often feel awkward and intimidated at a networking event. The key to moving past this discomfort is simple: instead of networking to gain (connections, opportunities, business, etc.), look for ways to give.

When I first started my business, I knew networking could help me grow my business, but it felt strange to show up full of self-interest and self promotion. Looking around the room, I knew I wasn't the only one feeling this way.

I started reaching out to people - not for what they could offer me, but to find out how I could help them. I introduced myself, and then introduced people to each other. The more people I talked to, the more connections and opportunities I saw among the people within my growing network. Once I set my own interests aside, networking felt more natural.

I truly believe that whatever you give will come back to you in some way, often completely unexpected. When you shift your perspective from "what can I get" to "how can I contribute" magic happens and networking becomes a rewarding experience.

Top 3 Ways to Improve Your Networking Skills:

1. Play the role of the host, no matter where you are. Thank people for coming and make introductions among the group.
2. Stop talking and start listening. Show genuine interest in others.
3. Always look for ways in which you can contribute.

Julia James, CPCC, PCC, M.Sc. is a multi-lingual certified life coach, award-winning author and international speaker. She helps busy professionals around the world achieve balance in their lives through individual coaching and workshops. Author of the book, The Mini-Retreat Solution and the audio CD series, Guided Mini-Retreats for Busy People, she provides tools to manage stress effectively and to relax and re-energize quickly. Julia has been featured on Joy TV, CBC News, as well as in The Globe & Mail, Glow Magazine, BC Business Magazine and The Vancouver Observer. For more information visit: http://www.juliajames.ca

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Article Submitted On: February 26, 2011