So what's this whole networking shtick all about?  And why is everyone (including these pesky RAPA types) talking to me about it?  There are many opinions, and no one right answer.  But I would like to offer some thoughts and tips, and hope you'll be kind enough to consider them.  Read on...

Don’t try to sell me this stuff

We have all heard the spiel before.  Networking is a necessary tool to be successful as professionals.  There are great books on the topic (please check out my blog post to see one of them).  But for many of us in the Russian American community, I think the concept of networking is a bit alien.  Even when we accept the necessity, we sometimes treat it as a necessary evil.  

After all, it all seems ludicrous… don’t I have enough friends already that I need to meet more people?  And what am I going to talk to them about?  Chances are they won’t remember the conversation anyway.  And even if we don’t lose the business cards we exchange, how can I reach out to someone for help if I barely met them?  We are in different companies, perhaps different roles, industries, geographies…  Any of this ring a bell?

On importance of networking

The truth is, our networks are the support structure that helps us be successful.  They are not artificially created out of thin air.  They are based on true human relationships we develop over time.  They are based on always being willing to help each other and not keeping score.  And they matter.  You all have networks already.  Your close friends you confide in, your family, maybe your mentors.  Have they been instrumental in your success?  I am willing to bet they have.  And they’ve done it because they value the relationship and genuinely want to help.  Now what would happen if your network was ten times larger, filled with people who are as willing to help?  You may never go fishing with many of them, and still have a solid relationship at the professional level.

Think about it.  Think about your goals and aspirations.  Now think about who you would want to have in your network to help you get there.  Think about who would value your friendship and professional connections.

Making a commitment

I don’t suggest we network for the sake of networking.  But if we decide that building strong and diverse relationships is important, we need to commit to building and nurturing our networks.  It’s not how many business cards you have in the rolodex, it’s how strong your relationships are.  It takes work. 

RAPA can help.  After all, we are just another professional community where people have something in common.  Use it.  Make it valuable for you.  And in the process, help others derive value as well.  Attending organized events is great, but it’s not the only way. 

Take baby steps

There are simple things you can do.  I encourage you to use the website to help you, but obviously you don’t have to.    So here’s a few simple suggestions:

• Meet for lunch.  Don’t make a big deal out of it, but it’s quick easy, and effective, and does not require a commitment.  I’ll get the ball rolling… how about next week?  Check out my forum post to find out when and where.
• Ask a question: if there is something on your mind, just ask.  Maybe you are considering switching jobs and would like to talk to someone who’s had the type of job you are considering.  Or maybe you would like some thoughts on how to handle a management challenge at work.  Whatever.  Just post.  Or respond to someone else’s question… maybe the one I posted?
• Check out the Blog, and post a comment.  I recently created a short post about a good book I was reading… would love to see your thoughts.

Simple enough?  I hope so.  

Last update : 03-14-2008 16:24

Average user rating

Display 2 of 2 comments