Networking research discusses two principles which are important to understand if you want to become more strategic when networking. First, the self-similarity principle, which means when you create network contacts, you tend to choose people that resemble you in terms of experience, training, and worldview. The second being the proximity principle, which concludes people prefer to populate their networks with individuals they spend the most time with, such as colleagues or classmates. These principles actually cause limitations to your network. Ultimately, we want to break away from what feels natural to cultivate a network that provides us diversity of thought and information.
To begin this process, one activity that can be powerful is to assess your current network. So grab a pen and paper or open a spreadsheet, and see if you can write down at least five names of individuals in each of the following network categories:
1. Connectors: These individuals know a lot of people and enjoy making connections between them. Connectors can be leveraged to provide you introductions to those outside of your circle. Just be careful not to overuse connectors – they make these connections frequently for others.
2. Mentors: Mentors are those you consider an experienced and trusted advisor who has your best interests in mind. Think of your mentor as the one you go to when you need good advice or to be challenged in a healthy way.
3. Subject Matter Experts (SMEs): SMEs help you understand information in which you may not know a lot about. It is impossible to know everything, so recognize the people in your life that are “experts” to help you with problems. Furthermore, SMEs do not have to be your best friend, but you do still need to invest time in building these relationships. Sustaining a relationship with a career coach is a great example!
4. Peers: Peers are everyone! These individuals are co-workers, friends, family members, professors, etc. The goal with your peers is to see how you can help them, because paying it forward returns dividends in the long term.
As you finish this activity, reflect on the following:
1. What networking category do you want or need to work on? Where can you find these individuals?
2. Is there diversity in your network? Are there individuals with different cultural backgrounds, worldviews, experience, etc.?
3. Are there individuals you need to reach back out to?
4. How can you make yourself accountable to connect or re-connect with others?
Overall, networking is about mutually beneficial, win-win relationships. You have the power to build these relationships and over time, you will be just as helpful to the individuals you develop these connections with. If you want to dive deeper into your networking strategy, we encourage to check out “What’s Your Networking Type” from our June 25th of the Business Career Center newsletter as well as watch this video on Networking Strategies & Scripts (https://use.vg/6gYgSw).
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More details at: http://business.unl.edu/current-students/business-career-center/