The Power of Networks

“I hate networking!”  

Does that sound like you?  Most of us have experienced bad networking; sales pitches, insincere conversations, and people trying to collect the most business cards possible at an event.  (Is there a prize for that?) 

While “networking” as a verb can feel awkward and downright icky, we all recognize the power in our NETWORKS.  

For this week’s Talk About Talk podcast episode focused on “The Power of NETWORKS”, I interviewed Jamie Millar, founder and managing partner of SkyBridge Associates

 

Jamie Millar of Skybridge & Associates

Jamie Millar of Skybridge & Associates

 

In this POWER OF NETWORKING episode you’ll learn:
 

  • the important difference between NETWORKING and building a strong NETWORK
  • 4 ways to add value for your network
  • the networking opportunity that many of us don’t consider

 

NETWORKING vs NETWORKS

Jamie provides thought-provoking advice about networking vs. “building a network”:

 

 

Jamie highlights that our NETWORKS provide 2 things:

  1. Access 
  2. Community 

 

Episode 92 - Power of Networks - community quote

 

BE GENEROUS – How to Add Value to Your Network

Let’s help each other out! 

Episode 92 - Power of Networks - help each other

(Image by Anemone123 from Pixabay)

How can we do this?

  1. Congratulate people on their promotions – it only takes a few seconds to acknowledge. Drop a quick email or message.
  2. Connect & provide access to your extended network for others, make introductions – this is how you show your value to your contacts

  3. Listen, pay attention – this goes without saying.  I’ve got a recent podcast episode on listening you might want to….ahem…listen to!

  4. Be helpful – share insights, ideas, advice

 

At the very end of the interview, Jamie suggested that people also consider the opportunity to CREATE a network.  Yes, this is what his firm Skybridge does! Jamie generously suggests this may be one of the most effective yet under-leveraged strategies for networking.
 

Image by Gerd Altmann from Pixabay 

How to create a network?  Choose a theme. It could be a discipline, an industry, a function,… and invite people to participate. Then set-up monthly or quarterly lunches/dinners or Zoom calls for folks who want to establish/maintain connections and learn from each other. 

 

There’s one last thought I’ll leave you with. Jamie mentioned that he doesn’t think it matters much whether you’re networking IRL or online.  There’s not a lot of difference.  If anything, it’s easier to network online.  But regardless, it comes down to being intentional.  Ask yourself:
 

Are you collecting business cards,
or are you finding kindred spirits? 

(Image: Unsplash Christina @ wocintechchat)

 

If you’re looking for more on NETWORKING, please check out these previous episodes with Sharon Mah-Gin:

 

That’s it for this week! I hope you enjoy the podcast.  

As always, if you have any feedback or 💡ideas, please let me know.   I ❤️ love hearing from you!

Have a great week.

Talk soon,

Dr. Andrea Wojnicki
Chief Talker & Communication Coach

Episode 92 - Power of Networks - network image
Image by Gordon Johnson from Pixabay 
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