Are You A Fair-Weather Networker?

Posted by christinemajor on Apr 12, 2010 in Events, Networking, Social Media | 1 comment

You’ve heard of a fair-weather friend?  You know, those people that go MIA and once in a while they rear their heads when they need something from you. Well, I want to talk about what I call the fair-weather networker. 

Like the fair-weather friend, the fair-weather networker typically takes action when there is a need. But the difference here is that when it comes to a friend, I am always willing to help them out because they are, just that… a friend. I don’t care if I haven’t heard from them in a year, I will do what I can to help them out. 

Recently, I was contacted by several people who I don’t even know asking to talk to me about positions at my company or asking for favors to help them out. While I applaud them for taking the initiative to reach out and having the guts to come right out and ask, I am also turned off by the mere fact that they didn’t try to get to know me first or allow me the opportunity to get to know them before asking me. 

I often liken proper networking etiquette to the early stages of dating. In most cases, (and I qualify this statement with most because this is not the case for every date…so I have heard ) when you go out on a first date, you start things off slow. You wouldn’t go pick up your date and immediately lay a big fat wet kiss on her/him before getting to know them just a little bit, would you? Well, I guess it depends on the chemistry, but like I said, most people just wouldn’t do this. 

The same applies to business where honest, authentic networking, in my opinion, is so important to a successful career.  You have likely heard the phrase to network before you need it, and I couldn’t agree with that more. But I want to take that a bit further and say that you need to network not only before you need something, but all the time. 

Social networking has changed the game of networking. It certainly has for me. I am no longer confined to purely face to face communication to make connections. Social networks such as Twitter and Facebook have rapidly expanded my network not only locally, but globally. The barriers to start a discussion with someone I don’t even know are low for these tools make it easier to get to know someone on a more personal level.  And, if you can combine the power of the online interaction with the offline, then those connections are now even stronger. 

So what are some things you can do to avoid being labeled a “fair-weather networker” 

Make the time 

Set aside the time to get out and network in person. I am a big believer in connecting the online with the offline and have made a commitment to try to get out to attend networking events relevant to my career. There are so many events taking place on a weekly basis across all industries that you are bound to find something that is a fit for you. Not sure where to go to find out about events in your area? Go to sites like Yahoo Upcoming, MeetUp, or follow people that are typically in the know about local events such as @bostontweet or @Bostontweetup in my area. I always refer to the BostonTweetUp calendar or NH Events calendar for local events in my area.  

With the help of social networking, the connections you make at these events continue on well beyond the exchange of the business card or handshake. You are now able to instantly connect via Bump or you can Poke them if you have your own Poken or follow them on Twitter to be instantly connected and continue that conversation. 

You can’t build a network overnight 

Understand that building your network takes time. It doesn’t happen overnight. Take the time to get to know people and let them know who you are. Don’t try to pitch me on your business or ask me for a job immediately after meeting. I typically don’t dig that sort of behavior and I will be immediately turned off. 

Be a connector 

Give back. I truly believe the world of networking, what comes around goes around. You’ve got to give to get and what better way to build trust and loyalty among your network than to help others grow and succeed by helping others connect. If you know that your friend Joe is looking for some help with a design project at his company and your friend Sarah just happens to be an awesome designer looking for work, then get those two together! Because one day when you need something, Sarah and Joe will be the first to help you out. 

Networking is hard work. It takes time and dedication, but when done right, opportunities will be more readily available to you as your network knows you and understands who you are and what you are capable of. You can also help those in your network connect with others. That is the sign of a good networker – one that pays it forward with no expectations in return. 

Do you have any great networking advice or examples you would like to share? Please do so in the comment section below. 

Know any networking rock stars?? 

Are you or do you know anyone that is a networking rock star?? Please contact me. I would love to talk to you for a series of Q&A’s with successful serial networkers.