You can’t hug but you can still network

In supporting people to develop their influence as leaders I’ve come across a variety of reactions to the subject of Networking. Some people are indifferent to it, a common response being “not really thought about it”. Some are natural at it as it’s part of their personality profile to find links to others. To some the idea of networking is abhorrent, one person even describing it as “faking friendship for personal gain”. I can understand this view if your only experience of networking is an enforced speed dating style event. In all views what is often missing is a real understanding of the purpose and value of networking.

What is it?

Networking is the building up of contacts and relationships that help us to recognise and create business opportunities and solve challenges. We benefit from building relationships with a wide range of people with different skills, knowledge and perspectives. Your partner at home can help you out of that self-convincing black hole you’ve got yourself into. But only if they’re willing and practiced at the role.

Who saw that coming?

When the Covid 19 monster appeared from its cave in early March 2020 the custom for both of the small companies I own and run literally fell off a cliff. I sat head in hands uttering the well known Buddhist mantra “what the F#@! am I gonna do now?”

Over time my wife and co-director, team members and some long term business contacts helped me to come up with solutions. These great people provided both emotional support and practical suggestions. Their support also opened up a wider network. If they couldn’t help they knew someone who could.

Support on tap

It’s the goodwill aspect of the network that is critical. It’s important to understand that networking is an unwritten reciprocal agreement. Only taking and not giving soon reduces the pot of available support. Also, the act of giving when support is needed by a contact improves our own wellbeing and reinforces the value of networking. I’ve also come to reflect that the support you receive from a network is dependant on the quality of the relationships in place before you need to draw on it. I think the negativity that some people feel around networking could be a result of trying to build a network at the same moment as you need the support. Therefore you need to be creating contacts all the time.

You don’t know when you’ll need them or even what you’ll need them for. . . until you need them or they need you.

By Colin Dulson – Managing Director at Berrison Ltd

If you would like to know more about how Berrison can help please contact us: connect@berrison.com