Powerful networks are more than a dream
Conversations lead to ever greater connections and support
Powerful relationships are more than a dream. They come to life any time, often springing from the simple act of saying, “Hi.”
That is the premise and proof from J. Kelly Hoey’s life and career. A member of the National Speakers Association, she is an author and creator of the Build Your Dream podcast and book.
Hoey talked with millennial expert, marketing and branding strategist, global speaker and LinkedIn instructor, Chelsea Krost, during Krost’s #MillennialTalk Twitter chat. They looked at how everyone can make strong networks and powerful relationships a reality.
There is no time like the present to start networking. Begin having conversations, and let one thing lead to another.
“Start by committing to listen and help others more than asking for help,” Hoey said. “Practically, if you’re networking for career and business opportunities, start with LinkedIn.
“You never know where opportunities will come from,” she said. “I’ve had opportunities sent my way by interns, former colleagues, clients and friends.”
Especially through social media, reaching out is not bound by time or place.
“The beautiful thing about networking is that you can do it anywhere and anytime naturally when you happen to meet an interesting person,” Krost said. “This is why having a business card, elevator pitch or explanation of what you do ready at all times is key.
“Don’t be all about business,” she said. “Think that more relationships equal friendships. Networking — like all relationships — is a two-way street.”
Limited networking opportunities are not really limited.
“Thanks to social media and the World Wide Web, we have never had more access to connect with people near and far,” Krost said.
“Let’s think outside of the box when it comes to networking,” she said. “The days where you have to go to an in-person networking event are great but not available right now. Use what you have to your advantage.”
Different frame of mind
True networking begins with new ways of thinking.
“Start by changing your mindset on what you imagine networking is — immediately,” Hoey said. “Twitter chats are networking. Sharing what you learn from a chat, podcast or online course with your friends is networking.
“Writing a book review is networking,” she said. “I’ve met and interviewed and connected with several Build Your Dream readers because of book reviews.”
Saying hello is a start but is only meaningful with follow through.
“Introduce yourself when you join an online conversation on Twitter and Zoom,” Hoey said. “Be present with every digital interaction. Social media has democratized access and the opportunity to build connections, but you have to show up online as you do in real life.
“If you think networking is just schmoozing at cocktail parties or something you do only when you’re looking for a job, you’re missing out on opportunities,” she said.
Carefully network with those who you have no prior connections.
“Do research,” Hoey said. “Don’t reach out cold until you’ve thoroughly read up about the person. If you can Google the information, read it and ask the person a better question. Then make a stronger first impression.”
Krost advised not to self-impose limits when it comes to building a powerful network. For those interested in getting on someone’s radar, she suggested several things to do:
- Connect on social media.
- Comment and like on their posts.
- Send a direct message or personal email.
“When reaching out to someone new, find a mutual win or share your value — where you can be of service or have a solution — within your outreach message,” Krost said.
“My personal biggest turn off is when people reach out to me for the first time and out of nowhere ask to schedule a call to ‘pick my brain,’” she said. “No. No. No. Be mindful. Don’t ask for something right away. Share and give to connect authentically.”
Natural feel
Krost offered her top tips for networking smarter not harder.
“You don’t need to meet new people to start networking effectively,” she said. “I live by the motto, ‘Do good by your network and connections.’ That way, making introductions into each other’s communities or relationships feels more organic and natural.
“As a society we tend to always chase the next thing — a customer relationship — but don’t neglect the relationships, network and customers you already have,” Krost said. “Maintaining healthy and active relationships within your network will help you meet new, like-minded people.”
Overthinking can be self-defeating.
“Don’t get into your own head,” Krost said. “Many times we are our own block. We tell ourselves this untrue story of why this person would never want to connect with us. Don’t be your own worst enemy when it comes to putting yourself out there.”
When networking, she added, “The people who reply to you are the people you are meant to connect with.”
Hoey proposed that people network while they sleep, thanks to their continued digital presence, which they need to maintain.
“First impressions are frequently made based on social profiles,” she said. “I can’t say this enough: Keep them updated and accurate.
“Help others in your network because then they will want to help you,” Hoey said. “That makes networking smarter, easier and fun.”
Creating strategic templates to personalize for networking outreach is fine as long as they do not look like spam and wind up being cast aside as junk mail.
“I think of strategic guides or best-practice guidelines and frameworks rather than templates,” Hoey said. “Networking is not one size fits all. Templates can be misused if you don’t change the salutation and send it to everyone. Be careful not to cut and paste your communications. People can smell it.”
Krost agreed about the sniff test.
“Creating strategic email outreach templates is a great ‘work smarter’ strategy, but there always needs to be a level of customization in each email,” she said. “Otherwise, it is simply not authentic and what I call a ‘billboard message.’”
Simple acknowledgment
Thank a networking contact by saying thanks. Don’t overthink it or stand on ceremony. It’s your personal network, not a formal affair.
“Exactly,” Hoey said. “Most of the time, people just want to be acknowledged. Nothing more.”
She recommended these steps when engaging:
- Respect the time — call, email, Zoom — people give you.
- Let them know you appreciated the advice, whether you use it or not.
- Follow up to let them know how you applied their advice, or give an update based on your conversation.
“My experience is that most people just want to help, but you need to let them know how they were helpful,” Hoey said.
Krost follows these tips to thank networking contacts:
- Handwritten, video or audio note.
- Introductions to new connections.
- Write a testimonial, referral or endorse that person on LinkedIn.
- Invite or feature new connections in content, digital activations and live events.
The main way to bolster a network is to be active and engaging. Don’t be a broadcaster and not interact. You might get a lot of hangers-on, but that’s another way to describe barnacles.
“My favorite way to support my network is by collaborating where both parties have a mutual win,” Krost said, citing activities such as a joint Instagram Live, article, video series, webinar and Twitter chat.
In addition, Hoey relies on volunteering and getting active in an industry or professional organization.
“Send a birthday message,” she said. “Studies show this simple act builds stronger connections. Also, show up on time, be organized, and get prepared for an online meeting.”
For networking via social media, be sure to post a few items per day to show you’re alive. Take the initiative to engage with others in your network. Interact in a public way because the rest of the world is watching and might join in.
“Take actions to ensure you’re diversifying your network,” Hoey said. “Show-up daily and consistently. Consistency builds trust. Trust builds relationships. Relationships equal strong networks.”
About The Author
Jim Katzaman is a manager at Largo Financial Services and worked in public affairs for the Air Force and federal government. You can connect with him on Twitter, Facebook and LinkedIn.
