As with so many aspects of life, networking requires action and effort if you’re going to reap its benefits. You can attend countless in-person and online events and register for every networking group under the sun, but you’ll get nowhere if you’re not actively taking the time to connect with the people you are meeting.
Networking is akin to someone opening a door just a bit. It’s your choice to push the door open to enter the world of others. If you’re not putting in the time to follow up and form relationships, you’re merely peeking in the “networking” door and closing it in the face of potential opportunity.
Networking is truly a contact sport that requires you to be proactive if you’re going to win. Are you guilty of taking a defensive networking strategy; waiting for others to contact you? If so, you’re not getting the results you want.
Instead of hoping that someone will contact you with a potential opportunity, think about who you met on the Zoom or in-person and how you can help them. Do you have a proactive contact for someone? Great! Follow up with the information. If not, consider sending a link to an article of interest, an invitation to a business event, or even a note or email that helps stay you stay on the grid.
Engage and stay on their radar screen for optimal results!