Connecting is the key to success
Real networking is the ability to find ways that make others more successful.
Networking is not about having a “me” focus because networking is giving more
than you will receive.
Networking has a bad connotation for using and manipulating others, but that is not real networking. Instead, consider the word connecting, which is sharing
knowledge, resources, time and energy. Connecting does not keep a tally of who
did what for whom; connecting is not about managing transactions, it is about
managing relationships.
Think about where you would like to be and what you would like to do in the
future, whether it is an internship, summer job or your future career. On your
own, you will not get there, and on your own, you will not get very far at all.
Most students do not realize they already have a network which may be
comprised of relatives, friends of relatives, present and past classmates, students in the same clubs or intramural activities, professors, former teachers, employers, neighbors from the past and present, those they socialize with and people that provide them services.
Some tasks are unobtainable through one’s own efforts. To reach the goals you want to obtain, you need the assistance of others who can help you get to the
place you would like to go, whether that is an internship, job, office or position.
People no longer work in the same company their entire careers. Those in your network can help you manage your career instead of letting your career manage you.
My father has only had two jobs that someone did not help him get. Through
applying for jobs, many know it is hard to get a job without knowing someone
or knowing someone who knows someone.
I know someone whose network recently saved his family from financial
devastation when he lost his job. For someone at his age and salary level, it
usually takes over a year to find an equivalent job. By keeping in contact
with over 200 people, he found a job within three months.
By doing what you can to make others successful, your network of associates
will increase and if you are the one in need at a later time, you will be in a
better position because you helped others.
When an acquaintance of mine was looking for a job, I knew we had an opening at work for a public relations director. I asked for her resume and gave it
the vice president of my company who was filling the job. The vice president
was gone on a long trip and nothing happened for a couple weeks after sending
her resume. I followed up with the vice president through e-mail and shortly
after, she was working at the company.
Connecting is not just assisting others professionally, it is helping those we
care about when they are in need, whether it is moving, suggesting courses to
take or sending a card. Assisting others does not diminish your success, it
increases your success.
I try to match others with those who can meet their needs. I realize that I
can’t help every student, but I know people who can. This year, I met a lot of
students that wanted to get involved but do not know which organization they
wanted to join. I took time to find out what each student enjoys and, together,
we found a fit. Because I know about the other organizations, those who run
the organizations and what the organizations do, I was able to match students
with the organizations that they would like.
Misperceptions exist about people who are active relationship builders. When
relationship building is done properly, it does things for those you care
about – it is friends helping friends and families helping families.
Lindsey Christensen is the 2005-06 ASUSU College of Business senator. Comments can be sent to lindseykay@cc.usu.edu.