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

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:

Access
Community

BE GENEROUS – How to Add Value to Your Network

Let’s help each other out!

(Image by Anemone123 from Pixabay)

How can we do this?

Congratulate people on their promotions – it only takes a few seconds to acknowledge. Drop a quick email or message.
Connect & provide access to your extended network for others, make introductions – this is how you show your value to your contacts
Listen, pay attention – this goes without saying. I’ve got a recent podcast episode on listening you might want to….ahem…listen to!
Be helpful – share insights, ideas, advice

The NETWORK-BUILDING OPPORTUNITY You Didn’t Consider

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: