Networking Is About Giving
By: Lauren Marsicano
Insta: @networkingmaverick
Networking Is About Giving
It’s the giving season, friends! Thanksgiving, Christmas, Hanukkah… no matter what you celebrate, the autumn/winter months are full of holidays themed around giving. I figured, since, y’know, ‘tis the season, I’d share a little about one of my favorite parts of networking: giving!
Giving is an essential part of networking. Generosity is infectious! I’ve found that if you’re willing to share skills, knowledge, and advice with others, people are much more likely to want to help you. People want to help people who help them!
One of the first things I ask new connections is: “What’s one way I can help you with your business?” Offering to help someone in your network strengthens your relationship and creates the opportunity to learn something new about them or their business. I’ve learned many new skills just by being proactive in offering to help others. Being generous is beneficial for everyone involved.
So what are the most effective ways to be generous? Often people will tell you exactly what they need. But when they don’t have anything in mind, here are some good things to offer:
Make Connections
Help your connections grow their own networks by making strategic introductions!
Introduce connections who:
Might need something the other can provide.
You think could help the other.
Who might be beneficial for each other’s businesses
Introduce people! You never know what amazing partnerships or collaborations can form! Helping others expand their networks will make them more likely to help you in the same way.
Offer Your Time
If you’re someone in the workforce, you know that the most valuable asset you have is your time. By offering someone your time–– to help, to be a sounding board, etc.–– you’re being generous in one of the most significant ways you can. Offering to help others when you don’t have to, and when your time is scarce, will help you plant the seeds for a strong network. If your connections reciprocate by using their time to help you, then you know that that network can grow into a strong community.
Be Engaged
If you hear or see someone asking for help on social media or other means of communication, help any way you can. One of the most frustrating parts of running a small business is when you post something on social media and it gets no engagement. Be the person who is active! Engage with the things that the people in your network post, and share relevant things with your own audience. Your connections are likely to return the favor, which will boost your own online presence.
So, what’s the takeaway from all of this? Generosity is the gift that keeps on giving! Try implementing more generosity into your networking techniques this giving season, and as always…
Happy Connecting!