Achieve a Networking Mindset
By: Lauren Marsicano
Insta: @networkingmaverick
Achieve a Networking Mindset
When you were in elementary school, your English teacher probably taught you the importance of the who, what, when, where, why, and how of a story. As I’ve grown my business and my network, I’ve learned that the 5 Ws (and 1 H) are just as helpful for story writing, as they are for breaking down how to effectively achieve a Networking Mindset.
Here’s how to use the 5 Ws and 1 H in order to achieve a Networking Mindset that will help you with building your network:
Who?
I like to think of the “who” as two separate entities. The first “who” is you. You are the one attempting to build your networking mindset, so it is imperative that you know yourself. What are your strengths? Your weaknesses? How can you leverage your strengths so that you can make connections with those who can help you work with your weaknesses?
The second “who” is the person (or people) you are hoping to network with. Finding peers to network with is important. As well as finding and connecting with people who don’t work in your field. Those in different careers or walks of life can offer you advice and guidance to help you succeed because they can see your work with fresh eyes.
What?
The “what” is the action itself.
What exactly does networking entail? When you speak with someone about your business and/or their business, you’re networking.
What should you do in a networking situation? Be yourself! Just because you’re networking, it doesn’t mean you have be or act a certain way. Beyond that, there are certain things you can say to network effectively.
Here’s a conversational framework you can use to maximize your networking time:
Introduce yourself and your business briefly. Say enough that your conversational partner understands what you do, but make an effort to ask your new connection questions about their business too.
Talk with them. Approach the conversation with curiosity–– ask questions about their life and business that genuinely interest you. Learn how you might be able to help your peer, and see how they might be able to help you. Offer your help, whether that be with sharing a resource, making an introduction, etc. Always bring value to your interactions.
Exchange information. Having an easy way to exchange your business information with someone is incredibly helpful. And there are alternatives to exchanging business cards. Click here to read about technology that helps you network.
Follow up. I cannot stress how important this is. If you have a wonderful conversation with someone and then never speak again, then you aren’t networking. Make sure you follow up. Deliver on the help you offered. This will build your credibility and help to forge relationships, which will strengthen your network.
When? Where?
In shifting to a networking mindset, it’s important to open yourself up to the experience. To learn “when” and “where” networking events will happen, do a Google Search with the keywords “Networking in [your city]”, then:
Check out any websites that come up on the search
Sign up for their mailing lists
Join their Facebook Groups
Follow their Instagram accounts, etc.
Be open to, and stay informed of, those opportunities to make connections.
Also, “when” and “where” to engage people is incredibly important in establishing your effectiveness in networking. It’s best to avoid speaking with someone who clearly isn’t looking to do so at the moment. Approaching people at unsuitable times or in unsuitable locations will only hurt your credibility as a networker.
The “where” can be a very helpful indicator of “when” it is appropriate to network. Business situations and networking events are perfect for networking, but the doctor’s office is not.
Why?
Being clear on your “why” can mean the difference between success and failure in networking. Approach networking situations with a clear sense of purpose. Consider what you are looking to receive, and what you are capable of giving. Knowing your own “why” can help you keep a clear head and make you appealing as a valuable networking connection.
How?
The “how” of networking lies in your approach to the act of networking itself. Here is what I suggest you strive for:
Be ready to take action. Initiate conversation, offer aid, and be proactive. Focus on communicating with confidence and bringing value to every conversation. This will make you appealing as a networking connection.
Be present. Your measure of success at networking events, isn’t how many people to talk to, but how well you get to know a smaller pool of people. Genuinely attempt to connect with those you speak with. Hopscotching between people too quickly can give others the impression that you’d rather be speaking with someone else.
Be positive. Networking situations are not the place to vent about the challenges and frustrations you may be facing. It won’t help you create a connection. However, if you do need perspective on a challenge from someone you are networking with, frame it as a clear ask. This will enable others to offer focused advice, which will strengthen your connection.
Keeping in mind the 5 Ws and 1 H of networking will help you achieve a strong networking mindset that will help you succeed in business. So make sure you keep the who, what, where, when, why, and how in mind, and as always…
Happy Connecting!