Why networking is actually really easy
But the maintenance is the hard part
Have you ever heard of the Six Degrees of Separation? It’s basically “the friend of a friend” story you know, referencing how it is a small world and there are effectively six people between you and the rest of the world.
Let me use an example:
I had an ex-colleague, who had an ex-boyfriend, who had a friend, who is now dating Destry Allyn Spielberg, the daughter of Steven Spielberg. That ex-boyfriend recently had dinner with Tom Hanks, Destry Allyn Spielberg and Steven Spielberg.
That’s actually 5 people standing in between me and Steven Spielberg. And 6 between me and Tom Hanks.
Could you actually imagine your father-in-law being Steven Spielberg? Because that would be pretty cool actually, look at the guy. But this is not an article about how to become friends with every celebrity you always dreamed of being friends with.
Yet, I want to bring my experience on networking with people who might change your life around and tackle the most difficult part (in my opinion) of networking: maintaining those relationships.
Webinars and connecting
A couple of weeks ago, I attended a Zoom webinar about AI in Marketing, which I got access to because I was subscribed to their newsletter, it was quite beyond my scope and abilities, but in the end, I was super glad I joined.
The host and the guest of the webinar were inspiring and thought-provoking and I desperately wanted to create this connection with them. I could think of no other option than stalking them on Linkedin.
But how could I use this fragile connection to get to know them? Not only to see what more information they could provide but possibly serve as a key to a career in an industry later in my life. However, I found it very difficult to think of a reason on how they possibly would want to connect with me.
My chances were slim but I decided to do it anyway. Nothing ventured, nothing gained as they say.
I decided to take the honest approach and tell them how they inspired me, what more they had to offer and see how I could learn from them. Crammed it in the message and send it.
You don’t think I would end it with “and I never heard back from them again”, right?
Instead, they accepted my request for connecting with appreciation and establishing our new, but yet flimsy connection.
I decided to share this experience because it is super easy (for anyone) to subscribe to a newsletter, of any company in that you find interesting and make you be more involved in their world for a bit.
Research shows that the more diversified your network is, the more job opportunities you get and more varying information sources you receive. You essentially get access to more networks beyond your current one.
So branch out, and connect with people beyond your idea of how your career is gonna look like.
With the pandemic still at large, webinars are the best opportunity for this. So, why not go for it? It does, however, present a new challenge.
Because the hard part is actually maintaining this new-found connection.
Linkedin, but make it Tinder (or Facebook, or Instagram, or…)
You see, according to research conducted by Linkedin, casual conversations through LinkedIn Messages have led to new opportunities for 35% of networkers. Additionally, more than half of professionals also agree that having regular interaction with your network increases your job opportunities immensely.
You should basically treat Linkedin like Tinder.
(Edit: keep Linkedin professional. Improper, uninvited advances are unacceptable.)
Ok, maybe not literally, but approach your established connections with enthusiasm, interest (not that kind) and essentially nurture the relationship.
While you definitely should not post untimely risque pictures on your LinkedIn profile, you should comment on their posts. Not something like: “looks good!” or “congrats!”. Everyone else does that, ask questions, be involved, that’s how you set yourself apart as a valuable connection.
Here are some other tips I have to maintain that connection.
Tag them in articles when you think it’s relevant for them, even if you’re not that close, just do it.
Post your own content about something you experienced and add a call-to-action if possible.
And send DMs, ask for their opinion or anything else for that matter. I go a bit deeper about this in this article on how to approach people in my experience.
For that matter, blend your professional and personal circles. You will spend one third(!) of your life with co-workers, might as well become friends with them to make your life easier.
Who knows what success you can find? Maybe like this writer who used Linkedin as a dating app and got 3 amazing dates out of it and a handful of impressive connections.
Keep your friends close, but your co-workers closer
Take care of your relationships, use them for your own gain and increase your chances in the competitive job market but also learn from them. I met some inspiring people in my life just because I complimented their umbrella, but it only became meaningful after I put effort into nurturing the relationship.
In contrast, I was friends with my platonic prom date, but I failed to maintain any contact between us, and the next thing you know, he is modelling for my local municipality. Which, you know, isn’t my area of interest, but would still quite effectively to diversify my network.
I make it sound like networking is all business, suits and ties. But I cannot stress enough that your closest circle of friends will be the most valuable to you. Blend personal and professional circles together and you will have the most ease in finding an opportunity.
So, get out there, connect and nurture.
Hey career tiger! I post regular content about self-actualization and professional growth on my Instagram for thriving career tigers, come check it out if you’d like.
I also have a Linkedin (Ha!) and would love to talk to you about everything and nothing.
