One of the most socially challenging endeavors all MUST endure is a crazy little thing called networking. As a result, I’ve decided to tackle this by taking off my old leathers and replacing them with a new pair of suede as well as a slightly different approach. Okay, enough with the crowd rumblings and increasing blood pressure, after all, networking by any other name is still networking. No doubt true but if we change our perspective of the concept, just maybe meeting and talking to strangers will become a tad easier. In experimental fashion, by altering our perspective and approach, perhaps the practice will not be as taxing and results more promising.
With me so far? I didn’t think so… Let me explain by detailing what happened over the weekend.
Cutting to the chase, I needed an oil change and tire rotation so decided to take my truck into Tires Plus in Apopka. These people have been nice over the life of my truck and being a creature of habit, destination was not in question… though they don’t know me by name (yet). While standing in line to pay the invoice, I had an informal opportunity to speak to the store manager, Wayne. A friendly fellow with a great deal of pride in his position and customer service skills. Anyway, feeling comfortable with my surroundings, I sparked a conversation with Wayne and pretty soon found out a few things about his work, his thoughts about the regional office being on the second floor (for second floor residents—he spoke only kind words), and a bit about him personally. In the mix of our talking I also shared a few things about myself.
So I got to thinking that if networking for a career was only this simple, the world and my employment situation would be in a much better place. Consequently, I also got to thinking about my granddaughter, Morgan. Not quite sure how the connection exists? Hold on a second for an explanation. Morgan was born two months ago and is new, by the very nature, to the ways of the world. Pretty soon she will be crawling, standing, and eventually walking. Are you with me yet?
In this context, Morgan must gain the ability (skill) and confidence to progress into a functional human being. Much like in our careers and, in particular, our networking abilities and confidence building. I propose that we all (from the introvert all the way to the extrovert) take advantage of informal situations with baby steps which will then lead us to self-belief during informational interviews and interviewing itself (oh, we will be delving deeply into informational interviewing, elevator speeches, and the interview itself soon enough).
By way of progression, speak kindly to the person serving you lunch and the cashier checking you out or the city worker keeping our city clean. By practicing our networking skills in a non-threatening, more relaxed surrounding, good things will happen and better things will be secured quickly.
Not expecting readers to practice without proper guidance, I will also make conversation a priority as I stride through this year. As baby Morgan begins stumbling over toys and even gets a bruise or two from unforgiving furniture, I will also not worry or get stressed-out when I stumble in suede now and then. Within a short while, I will also expand my comfort zone when it comes to speaking. Perhaps go to a social network function with the intent of fun on my mind.
While on the topic, if you do have a networking event, let me know and perhaps our path will intersect. During future journeys, I will keep you posted on the people and places encountered and let you know the outcome as the crawl continues. One more note, thank you Wayne for turning a light on but for now, think I’ll call Morgan and ask her mom how my little angel is doing.
Danny Huffman, MA,CEIP, CPRW, CPCC, is an author, educator and business owner of Career Services International-Education Career Services. For more information please visit our Student-Centered Career Blog at www.educationcs.wordpress.com.
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