Everybody needs somebody sometimes.
During my undergraduate studies at James Madison University (JMU), one of the very first lessons that I learned was that networking is a powerful tool. Once I was accepted into the business program, it was time to put into practice that lesson. The JMU College of Business would often have networking receptions, career fairs, and other events that put you in the company of hundreds and maybe even thousands of people from a variety of professional backgrounds. This was the beginning of a greater love for networking events and my confirmation that human resources was the right field for me.
During my time at JMU, I participated in experiential learning trips to Silicon Valley, D.C, and other cities that allowed me to enhance my networking skills (Thanks Sam Collier !). While I participated in these events, I noticed that many people were afraid to take part in such events for a vast number of reasons. Two common responses I received from peers were “I don’t know what to say” and “I will probably never see or talk to these people again.” Both answers are fair and I completely understood where they were coming from.
In today’s article, I’d like to tackle both of these points of view and offer my perspective on them. Before doing that, it’s important to understand that networking does not equate to getting a job offer or an interview. While this is a possibility, it shouldn’t always be our main focus when it comes to networking. In my opinion, one reason why people don’t know what to say or how to start off a conversation is because they think that it has to always be about getting a job or an interview. It’s important to shift our focus so that we don’t end up being disappointed if things don’t go as we expect them to.
When starting a conversation with someone, get rid of any preconceived notions about the person and genuinely get to know them. Introduce yourself and then begin to ask them questions and let the conversation flow from there. Don’t pry too much into their personal lives unless they willingly share that information with you. If you’re a shy person and have trouble talking to new people alone, have a peer go with you and have a group conversation, instead.
Now, onto the second reason why people shy away from networking—you may never see or talk to these people again. While it is possible that you may never in your life encounter these people face to face after your initial conversation, we must bear in mind that we don’t know what the future holds and anything can happen. It could be that years down the line, you find yourself in a situation where that connection you made ends up being in a position to help you. You may end up working in the same company. As a matter of fact, you may even be the one in a position to help that person. Even if someone you met at a networking event doesn’t end up helping you or you don’t directly help them, your connection to each other may benefit another person.
I met an executive of a very prestigious firm while in Silicon Valley back in 2015. He told my group to add him on LinkedIn and stay in touch and so I did just that. After adding him on LinkedIn, I would message him from time to time to keep our connection. A couple years later, a friend of mine needed some assistance in applying for an internship at this very firm that my connection worked at. I messaged him and he gave me guidelines and tips to share with my friend and even agreed to connect with her. In this case, my connection didn’t directly help me in landing a job or getting an interview somewhere, but he did help my friend secure a job. That’s what networking is all about; helping one another, because everybody needs somebody sometimes.
Philippians 2:4 (ESV): “Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others.”
Humanly Yours,
Abenah