How to Make Networking Feel Less Slimy

Mar 31

A Me-Suite follower submitted an important question many of us have in common.

Question Submitted: I know I need to network, but I feel slimy doing it. What tips do you have for making networking a more positive experience?

Donna Peters: I love this question. Because networking is a common denominator. We all do it, whether you're in your current role and happy to be in that career, whether you're an employee or an employer, whether you are looking to jump into something new. We are always networking. So I love to have this conversation to make networking feel like a more positive experiencw. It is so critical to us in the workplace.

The first place I would start is with intention. What is your intention for the networking? If your intention is pure, and your intention is positive, that will naturally translate into a more positive interaction. So, for example:

· if your intention is to seek advice because you are having a particularly political situation at work, and you want some advice to help navigating it

· maybe there is another area in another industry, or in another type of work, that you're interested in exploring, and you want to network to learn more

· perhaps it's that you want to network to explore going back to school for a law degree, maybe an MBA, etc.

· maybe your intention is to request an introduction, because you know someone who knows someone that you wish you knew

If your intention is pure, and your intention is positive, it will naturally translate into helping with the slimy feeling you may get when it’s time to network.

The second piece of advice related to networking and feeling uncomfortable is just to remember that people want to help people. Think about a time someone called you and said, “Can I get your advice on something?” I'm pretty sure that that felt pretty good. We like it when people come and want our advice. So, keep that in mind when you're the one reaching out for advice from others.

The third piece is a little trick. It's a courtesy out of respect. At the end of that networking discussion, after you've gotten your intentions met, close with a very simple question: “Is there anything that I can do that can help you?”

So, three tips on helping with networking. Thank you for submitting the question.