Part I: Purpose
A five-part series that will help navigate you through, what some consider, the necessary evil . . . NETWORKING.
Networking is nothing more than making contacts, getting to know people, and building on relationships. However, the ability to network is one of the most crucial skills any professional can have. Sadly, many people are put off by the idea of networking, thinking it requires the personality of a 1970’s used car salesman, one that screams insincerity. Nothing could be farther from the truth.
Take a moment and write down 5-10 attributes of what you think makes someone a good networker? Are they outgoing, sincere, a good listener? Do they stay in touch and keep promises? As a thriving professional you may be surprised at how much you instinctively know about the subject.
Glancing at your list of attributes for a good networker, take an objective look at your own interactive style and abilities. What are your similarities? What are your differences? This list will bring to light areas of needed personal growth and can be utilized as a tool in creating and maintaining your purpose for networking.
So why do we network? What is the purpose of networking? There are a number of reasons:
- Grow your business
- Obtain sales leads
- Obtain vendor referrals
- Share best practices
- Keep current with industry trends
- Explore new career options
- Get a job
- Learn about a new prospect
- Find quality employees
The reasons are seemingly endless, which begs the question – why wouldn’t you network? Chrissy Scivicque said it best – “Networking also gives you access to a wealth of knowledge and experience. The people in your network will likely come from a wide variety of backgrounds, meaning they’ll offer a broad range of perspectives and possess a deep well of wisdom from which you can draw”.
“When you have a strong network, you have a support team—people you can turn to for guidance, advice or assistance. Together you can share best practices. You become as much a resource for them as they are for you. In short, your network is a valuable professional asset—a resource that makes you smarter, more experienced, and more capable”.
To learn more about how other Life Science companies have partnered with us to overcome hurdles and capacity issues, and tapped into our mature professional talent pool, contact me at 612.703.4236 or email me at: pnorbom@talencio.com. Talencio, LLC has been the preferred provider of vetted, accomplished professionals to the Life Sciences community for more than seven years.
Sources:
Entrepreneur Staff. Networking. Entrepreneur Magazine Online. Small Business Encylopedia
Melanie Joy Douglas. Nine Reasons for Networking. Monster.ca