Be a Discriminating Networker

You always hear people touting the benefits of networking. Too many people see the word networking and think 'I have to stay in touch with everyone I known for the rest of my career.' You can’t do this, and you shouldn’t do this. Networking is an art, not a science.

There are no hard and fast rules in networking. At its core networking is about making and keeping friends with co-workers, present and former. They are people who need to believe in you, your abilities and not trying to get something from them. If you are a job jumper, you DO need something from them - but you can’t use them once and then discard them. You have to keep your network healthy if you are going to stay employed.

First, separate our “network friends” from people who are friends. Have a friend with whom you are friendly. You may think there is some value in maintaining a friend as part of your network, don't. A number of reasons may be, you never want to live where they live, have no interest in their chosen field or industry, and you want to maintain them as a close friend. Count them as a friend, but not part of your professional network.

With a network friend, exchange emails once every few weeks, call them on the phone every once in a while. Help each other with job searches, ideas, locating resources and expanding each others network. Be a reference for each other. Be both a friend and a valuable network resource.

Building a professional network is not as easy as sending someone an email or invitation them to join you on LinkedIn, Facebook or other social network. Being part of a personal network means members are interdependent. Everyone has something they can bring to the table. Keeping someone I supervised in my network, may be because I can help them by giving them a recommendation. Keeping a former manager in my professional network, it’s so you can recommend colleagues who are seeking a job and connect them. All these people should do the same for you. If someone no longer can provide this function in your network, they don’t no longer belong in your network.

Although having a thousand people in Facebook, LinkedIn or any other social network may be impressive, it’s useless. Unless you are well organized you will have a hard time maintaining a good relationships with everyone. Pick one networking site and stick with it. Don’t try to connect with people too many sites.

It is better to spend your time focusing on a smaller network on a frequent basis. When you meet someone who could help you later draw them in to your network, help them out, without the a hint of “you scratch my back, I’ll scratch yours.” Put yourself out there to help them. Make them want to join your network instead of forcing yourself into their network. You will be amazed at how much people appreciate the effort even if they don’t take advantage of the offer.

There is an important principle at work here. Spend 80% of your effort on the 20% of your network that has the best chance of being useful 'TO ME' and only spend 20% on the other 80% of your network. Make an effort to identify people in your network who you can help and who can help you. Eliminate the rest. That sounds mercenary, but we’re talking about your career, which probably has at least some mercenary aspect to it – just look at how corporations treat their employees anymore. Make it a point to reach out to your network. Find ways to help them. Don’t discard people who can’t help you today - or who you can’t help - but don’t spend time connecting with close friends at the expense of your professional network.

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