Misconceptions About Networking
While we often hear that "connections are important," surprisingly few people truly understand the essence of this concept. Collecting large numbers of business cards, connecting with famous people, or increasing social media followers doesn't necessarily constitute effective networking.
The essence of networking is building relationships where both parties can provide value to each other. A one-sided approach seeking only personal benefit cannot build lasting relationships.
Why Networking Is Important
There are multiple reasons why networking is valued in today's business environment.
Access to Information Industry trends, job opportunities, and business prospects that aren't available through public information often circulate through people.
Proof of Trust No matter how talented you are, gaining trust from strangers takes time. An introduction from a mutual acquaintance allows you to borrow their established trust.
Diverse Perspectives Focusing only on your specialty can narrow your viewpoint. Interactions with people from different fields bring new ideas and insights.
Think About Providing Value First
The fundamental principle of effective networking is to "give first."
"Give before you take"
Before trying to get something from others, consider what value you can provide. Value doesn't need to be something significant.
- Sharing useful information
- Introducing appropriate contacts
- Offering advice based on expertise
- Supporting and amplifying others' activities
- Simply listening
What's important is providing without expecting anything in return. Focus on long-term relationship building rather than short-term gains and losses.
Quality-Focused Relationship Building
In networking, quality is more important than quantity. Ten people connected through deep trust are more valuable than 100 superficial connections.
Points for Building Deep Relationships
- Maintain regular communication
- Sincerely engage with others' interests and challenges
- Always keep promises
- Provide support especially during difficult times
- Genuinely celebrate others' success
Also, appropriate distance is necessary in relationships. Overly frequent contact or excessive requests can burden others.
Balancing Online and Offline
Modern networking requires effectively utilizing both online and offline channels.
Online Characteristics
- No geographical constraints
- Can reach many people
- Can communicate asynchronously
- Easy to broadcast expertise
Offline Characteristics
- Easier to deepen trust
- Non-verbal communication is possible
- Chance encounters occur
- Makes lasting impressions
Ideally, expanding awareness online and deepening relationships offline is an effective combination.
Continuous Maintenance
Human relationships naturally fade if neglected. Continuous maintenance is necessary to preserve established relationships.
Maintenance Methods
- Regular updates (New Year's, job changes, etc.)
- Reacting to others' posts
- Sharing useful information when found
- Sending congratulatory messages for milestones
- Occasionally creating opportunities to meet in person
You don't need to maintain all relationships at the same frequency. It's realistic to prioritize based on the depth and importance of the relationship.
Choosing Networking Venues
Randomly attending mixers won't yield meaningful connections. Choosing venues that match your purpose is important.
- Industry-specific conferences
- Specialty field communities
- Book clubs and study groups
- Volunteer activities
- Cross-departmental projects within companies
Places where people gather with common interests or purposes make it easier to build relationships naturally.
Summary
The essence of networking is building relationships where both parties can provide value to each other. Focus on high-quality relationships based on trust, not the number of business cards or social media connections.
Start by providing value to others first, and nurture relationships with a long-term perspective. By not neglecting continuous maintenance and approaching people with sincerity, your network will naturally expand.