LEADERSHIP AT ALL LEVELS

With Gail Lowney Alofsin

WHO KNOWS YOU? AUTHENTIC NETWORKING BEFORE YOU NEED IT!

Your Network is Your Net Worth. - Tim Sanders

A lesson learned early in my personal and professional life is “who you choose not to align yourself with is as important if not more important as who you do.”

When presenting on “Authentic Networking” at conferences, corporations, or universities, I recommend “collecting people.” Identify people who will be impactful on your personal and professional journey. People who will augment your life versus drain it. People who care about you and who you care about. “Collect” people you truly “connect” with.

Networking is an investment in your business. When it is done well, it can yield great results for decades. Let’s review a few tactics.

1. Popping in From Outer Space? Network BEFORE You “Need” It!

One of the most common mistakes in networking is waiting until you need something—whether it is a job lead, advice, or an introduction—to start reaching out. The most successful networkers build connections well before they need them. This approach creates a foundation of trust and goodwill. When you reach out to people early and consistently, they can see you are interested in a real relationship rather than just using them as a steppingstone. Investing time and effort in people NOW means that if you ever need support, you will have a solid base of relationships willing and able to help.

2. There YOU Are!

As my mother professed during our teen years - “To be interesting, be interested.” We all know people who walk into a room with an air of “Here I am” versus “There YOU are!” These tend to be the same people dominating the conversation, assessing whether you or the other people in the room would be of value. Everyone has something to offer; including this type of person who teaches you how NOT to be!

3. YOUR “Give” Before You “Gain” Mindset.

You will never go wrong with a “Give” first and eventually “Gain” mindset in networking. The best networkers understand this. You have skills, knowledge, and connections to share. You can assist the person you are talking to with advice, insight, or an introduction. T

his mindset is not about keeping score or collecting points. Leave the points to your loyalty clubs, airlines, and hotel! It is about building goodwill and illustrating that you are a person who enjoys assisting others with reaching their goals or expanding connections. Be a resource. Be known as someone who adds value.

4. Who You Align With is Just as Important as Who You Don’t

The people you choose to associate with can significantly impact your reputation and opportunities. Align yourself with individuals who share your values and professional goals. Conversely, distancing yourself from those who may have negative reputations or conflicting values is equally important. Your network should reflect the kind of professional and personal image you wish to project.

5. Got Cheese? Follow Up and Stay Connected

Networking does not involve one event or singular effort. In my first job, our boss taught us how to “make Swiss cheese” out of newspaper. He advised us to comb the local newspapers and trade magazines, cut announcements (weddings, new jobs, promotions) or interesting articles and mail them to our clients or prospects. An equivalent in our digital world? Email an article, make a nice comment on a client or prospect’s LinkedIn post, text an inspirational quote, tasteful joke, or article they would enjoy. People appreciate knowing you are thinking about them beyond the “sale.”

6. Create YOUR Own C-Suite

No matter what your position is in your company or community, you can meet people within or outside of your company whose advice and actions you admire and trust. Mentors provide guidance, perspective, and support. Being a mentor is equally powerful.

In conclusion, with a mindset shift from “gain” and self interest to “give” with the intent of erring on the side of generosity, we build an invaluable network of support, education, and friendships, serving to enrich our personal and professional lives. Enjoy!

Gail Lowney Alofsin is the Director of Corporate Partnership for the Newport International Boat Show, a division of South Florida Ventures/Informa Markets. She serves on five boards focused on food insecurity, education, and business. An author and inspirational speaker, Gail is an Adjunct Professor at the University of RI, Salve Regina University and URI’s Pfizer MBA Program. Gail can be reached: gail@gailspeaks.com or 401-640-4418.