How To Network Without Really Trying

Published by Kelvin on October 3rd, 2007 in Career Development, Work | 19 Comments

Let's be frank. You can't get anywhere in your career without doing a little bit of networking. It's a necessity in the business world.

In China, guanxi (relationships), are vital to getting things done. In the Philippines, it's the same thing. If you have many kakilala (acquaintances), you are bound to get what you need. In Iran, having a large collection of ashnas (important contacts) is a badge of honor one wears proudly on his chest.

It seems as if it's not what you know, but WHO you know.

You won't know many people (and have many contacts) if you don't network. How do you do it unobtrusively then, and without raising eyebrows? Or without looking like you are trying to network?

Here are a couple of simple tips on how to network without really trying:

1. Never turn down an invitation to meet, have coffee or lunch with someone — I first heard Sam Davidson of CoolPeopleCare mention this on Rebecca Thorman's blog, Modite, and I find it to be a simple but effective way to network. No matter what country you are in, or what culture you are dealing with, people inevitably invite you to have coffee or lunch. Just say "yes." Go talk to the person and you'll be surprised at how easy networking really is.

2. Join a Club — Everyone has hobbies. So go join a club and meet people with mutual interests. It's easier to meet people, break the ice and talk when you already know what they are interested in.

A lawyer friend of mine recently discovered the wonders of golf, spent a fortune learning how to play, then joined a country club. He now meets potential clients through mingling with golfers. And he does this without looking like an ambulance-chasing lawyer. Plus, even if he doesn't get clients or contacts, he still gets to golf, something which he has grown to love!

3. Start your own blog or website — Having your own website is an amazing way to let people know about you. You can make your presence known online and let others reach you with no problem. For example, back in my university days, I made a website for what was then my greatest passion – Anime. I put my heart and soul into that website, all in an effort to share with the world my fascination of all things Anime.

Because of the website (which is now, sadly, lost in oblivion), I was lucky enough to be interviewed by a local TV producer as an "expert" on Anime. Now I know a TV producer. And I was on TV. How cool is that?

4. Get Published — I write for a local newspaper, the Sunstar Davao. It isn't a full-time thing, just something I do because I like to write. My email address is included at the end of my articles, and sometimes the mail I get comes from all over the world. I've swapped emails with readers and have even gotten invitations to meet with them if I'm ever in their area, a warm gesture, considering I have yet to meet them face-to-face.

To get published, contact newspapers or magazines or even blogs and ask if they are on the lookout for an article or two. If you don't have the time to write a full-blown article, you could start out by writing letters to the editor of your local newspaper. When you do get published, make sure there is a way for your readers to reach you. Those readers could be future friends and/or contacts!

5. Go to parties and talk to strangers — Sure, everyone goes to parties. But most people go to parties and only stick to people they know. They don't even bother to talk to the quiet guy in the corner, or to the girl sitting by the buffet table. Why not? Because they don't know them. Which is a pity.

Throw away that shyness or any semblance of cliquishness and talk to that guy/girl you don't know at the party. Who knows, he/she may wind up being your next big contact (or even boyfriend/girlfriend. Talk about a lucky bonus).

ONE BIG WARNING — Never make it seem like you are networking just for the sake of networking. That will surely turn people off. Especially if you are trying to network in more conservative countries in Asia, like the Philippines or China.