How to Build a Professional Network - Why Some Are Better Than Others

Networking is still a fantastic tried and true method to advance any business or personal career. Yet there are more and more individuals and businesses that are abandoning this effective form of building valuable sources of referrals and contacts.

There are a few reasons for the increase in difficulty of networking and the decline of popularity, especially in larger and more condensed pools of people.

First is technology has created a vast variety of digital forms of networking that can distract us from the true essence of networking.

At anytime one can head to the internet and join Social Networking sites like Facebook and Linkedin and seemingly get connected to hundreds, even thousands, of potential contacts. But does this really create any value? Not really. There is no better place to get lost in a digital ocean of competition than online. The internet should be no more than a tool to facilitate what real networking is all about.

Second is many are tired of attending an event only to be mobbed by an entire group that is just in it for them. You can only handle being pitched so many times before you realize that doing the same is only causing more problems instead of opportunities to grow anybody's business. The "Me Me Me" attitude in networking is not what it should be about.

The real essence of networking is about relationally building authentic advocacy.

What does this mean? Let's break it down.

First, networking is relational. That's right, it's about building actual relationships people want to be a part of. Not relationships where they feel used. How many times has someone approached you and the first thing out of their mouth is something they want? Do you build relationships with annoying salesmen or telemarketers?

Second, networking takes time to build. It is a process. Rome wasn't built overnight and nor is a small business or career. Building relationships takes several points of contact in different forms. You have to take the time not just to send an email, but a pick up the phone, have coffee and actually provide some value in that person's life.

If done properly, those you network with will become authentic advocates. This means that they actually care about you as a person and will go a little out of their way to see you successful. They will advocate for you as part of their daily routine. They may even become your raving fans if you have treated them like human beings with the same hopes, fears and dreams as you.

The secret to networking, and why some are better at it than others, can be found in the Golden Rule: "Do unto others as you would have them do unto you." Try investing into your network first and then be patient with the returns. The best networkers are always giving referrals before they get. Giving is the new getting when it comes to building a business or career.

The last piece of advice is be interesting. Nobody likes to network with boring people. This is why you should actually have an interesting life outside of work that people will remember you by. If you can become the most interesting person in the room that everybody talks about at the water cooler the next day, you have just made a quantum leap past the competition. So pick up a hobby, do some volunteer work or learn something of benefit to others outside of your profession.

Good luck!
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