The world has witnessed colossal transformation at
workplace in the last few decades, with implementation of some ultra cool
practices like flexi-timing, virtual team-work, paid-parental leaves,
video-conference meetings, and women in workforce. The one thing that has
survived the winds of change and evolved with times is the need to socialize or
network.
Networking has
matured from a negotiable ballgame into a transformational process. It’s not
anymore about ‘who you are’ but about ‘who you are growing as to be.’ The old
game was an enforced solitary quest. The millennial way is a co-dependent
community (CoC) expedited by Linkedin-ites, Twiiter-atis etc. (social media)
and new technologies. This modern style is more transparent and simple
focussing on creativity, productivity and self-growth. We make connection based
on our interests and beliefs rather than the job positions and compensation
categories. The days of power plays are long gone and we are more pragmatic
with our approach of intrinsic values, personality-clicks and connections.
But for some us,
networking still isn’t our favourite dinner conversation part, we still dread
it, and find it arduous to rub elbows, especially the Gen X cadre, as Gen Y’ers
has from the start of their careers experienced the different workplace culture.
So how do you become a networking crackerjack, here are a few tips!
The above vertical chevron chart provides us hints of how to get started with networking.
But we still need to learn to be PRO at it. Here are few tips to help us deal with networking in various common situations.
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A
CONFERENCE
POA (Plan of Action): Let Technology help you with hobnob. With conference agendas available online prior to the meeting, information such as names of speaker and topics to be discussed is easy to get. Figure out prior to the conference, who are the potential nodes for your networking, their areas of interest, LinkedIn connections or maybe their recent post on Twitter. Find common areas and interests, so that the conversation is beneficial mutually. Remember ‘NO-NOT-NEVER WHEEDLING’
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· Make NOTES: The simple fact that the act
of writing or recording information, helps motor, visual and auditory recall.
Categorize the distinguished people, and keep a track of their profile by
writing brief points on their V-cards, like where you met them, their
specialization, and how and when you plan to contact them.
· OPEN up: The anxiety and hesitation is
common in such situation. Don’t exacerbate, look approachable, get off your
face from the mobile screen, keep a relaxed look and stretch those 14 facial
muscles. It feels damn uncomfortable, but you can always smooth out the convo,
once you get in there.
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CASUAL OFFICE PARTY
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· Impromptu Conversations: Since it is a
casual party, you can be more relaxed, and can have spontaneity at your play. Make
introductions a fun session, rather than an interview-interrogation, tell a short
anecdote or a joke, make it more memorable. Complement people on the piece of
clothing or an accessory; that puts the other person at ease, and gets a chat
on. This is the perfect place to flaunt your sense of humour, make sure it does
not offend people.
Formal Lunch
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· Acknowledge the lot: Though the adjacent
lady or the guy at the corner chair may not be a potential network node, do not
give them a cold-shoulder. Be nice and at least greet them, or involve them in
the general affairs.
·Switch subjects: Avoid getting stuck in
lengthy debates. Try pulling a third person in the conversation or even better
gradually shift to a related interesting fresh perspective or topic. Make sure
you don’t make the situation boorish or act rude.
The mark
of a good conversationalist is not that you can talk a lot. The mark is that
you can get others to talk a lot. Thus, good schmoozer’s are good listeners,
not good talkers. - Guy Kawasaki
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