Networking includes the Word Work for a Reason – How to Work on Relationships
For the last few days I felt stuck and depressed and last night I went to an apéro of the Gesellschaft der Freunde des Schauspielhauses (yes, it’s a long name).
And even though I am one of the younger members (hahaha) it felt really great to talk to other lovers of the theatre. I was very inspired by Ulrich Khuon as he discussed the polarity and paradoxes in our current world and the need we all have for bridging the gaps and for community and connection. I felt seen and understood. #Zurich is not always the most open place on earth, but if you are willing to make an effort you can build wonderful relationships here. The trouble is that we have all burned with “networking” efforts that feel like selling and social media have not helped over the last 15 years or so. So let’s go back to the basics and review why we all need professional relationships, how we can encourage and build them and let’s build more bridges to reconcile the opposing views.
You probably despise networking.
You think of networking as a waste of time, and you don’t like to go to events with no direct outcome. Are you appalled by “coffee meetings” with people who never plan to support you but happily take your free advice?
Do you know that feeling?
To use my time effectively and to the best possible outcome, I am constantly reviewing my “networking” strategy. I have become very strategic about building connections in a way that suits me but also generates business. At the same time, with family emergencies, health challenges, and working from home, I had to think of other ways to “network the network”.
“Working the Net” indicates that work is involved in building and maintaining mutually beneficial business relationships. While this comes naturally to expats and other people from more relationship-based cultures, it requires energy for people from strictly task-based cultures.
The secret to making peace with “networking”, as I often explain in my talks and workshops, is to treat your business relationships similar to other friendships. Also, flipping your mindset to think: “What can the other person get out of having a relationship with me?” instead of “What can I get out of this relationship?” is helpful.
1) Connect those who would not meet
A big benefit of being a networking queen or king is that you can organize connections. Think about who would need to know whom in your network to move ahead one step with one of their issues. Maybe a friend needs a new job, a business contact wants a new client or needs to solve an immediate problem. Risk a little discomfort. Set them up for a “Professional Blind Date”. Trust your judgment and see what happens. Over the last few years, I have made several professional introductions. Mainly, I helped my clients find jobs they would not otherwise have known. I also benefit from introductions, so I try to keep the karma of connections spinning.
2) Accept that Relationships require Work
As in a good marriage, you want to keep the relationship alive by making it beneficial for both parties. Once you know too many people, you might react once asked, but even a tiny piece of advice to a junior colleague might help them advance in their career or leave a job where they have stopped learning. Many professionals I know have lost trust in their managers and colleagues. Being a mentor for a more junior professional in your industry can motivate this person.
3) Share Your Knowledge and Expertise Graciously
There has never been a time when too much knowledge was hurtful. It’s also impossible to shock people with well-written report summaries or other insights you have about your industry. Start posting on LinkedIn. Tell people what you know and how you view the trends. In a worst-case scenario, you get a negative comment. Be bold and bring your unique perspective to the world. Research says that people tend to underestimate their originality. Your voice is needed in this world. Speak up.
4) Help Others and Increase Your Self-esteem
It sounds like a boy/girl-scout value, but “a good deed a day keeps the shrink away”. When you help your contacts, you will feel more self-respect and wake up with a smile. It always makes me so happy when a client tells me they found a job they love or that a connection was beneficial. It’s even more fun to support people in your network (for FREE).
When you are not paid, give them reposts, likes, endorsements, and hearts. It’s a great way to show people appreciation, and we all could get a bit more of that, especially in the corporate world.
5) Treat Networking like a Challenge
I often ask my clients to set up a networking challenge with others. That includes that they must give before they take. It could be a small weekly challenge, such as meeting someone you never met for a coffee. You could also offer to connect someone to someone else because you know they share a theme, hobby, or interest. These connections seem to bring out the most notable collaborations. You want to ask permission before sharing details. You could implement a scorecard on your whiteboard, and whenever you help a connection, you add a smiley there. Imagine how that will make YOU feel.
Happy 2025!
Expat Coach Angie Weinberger
PS: Do you want to work with me? Please send me a message today via angela@globalpeopletransitions.com or +41791922877.
Resources
The Global Rockstars Program
The Hidden Job Market in Switzerland and Germany – Five Ways to Access for Lifestyle Expats and Rainbow Talent
Set Your Intentions for 2025: A Sustainable Approach to Growth for Global Rockstars
Offline Networking in the Digital Age
The Global Rockstar Album