Page 5 - The Compass - Volume 14 Issue 3

LEADERSHIP
by Hayley Sandiford
Networking Tips for Leaders That Hate Networking

And Those That Don’t

etworking is a necessary evil for being a successful 4. Be Proactive: Many times, we wait until we need
Nbusiness owner. For some, it’s fun and comes easy, but something or are struggling before we reach out. If you are
for others, especially the introverted leaders, the thought only calling people when you need help, you are going to
of having to network with complete strangers makes find that you don’t have much of a support network. Either
them stressed, anxiety-ridden, and unwilling to attend. you’ll be uncomfortable reaching out because you haven’t
Regardless of how you feel about it, there’s no getting nurtured the relationship enough, or you are constantly
around it. It’s the most efficient way to learn about business, asking for help but not giving any in return. Make a point
meet other leaders with similar goals, and build valuable to contact people in your network on a regular basis, even if
connections that may come in handy down the road. it’s just to say hello and see how their business is doing.
Strategic networking can be difficult but necessary for 5. Follow Up: When you meet someone, schedule a time
you to master. As SGI members, you have a huge advantage and date to follow up. If you met someone that told you they
on leveraging this network. These are your peers and are struggling with pricing, reach out to them, offer advice,
senior leaders in the home-services industry and beyond. or just call to check in.
Your strategic network allows you to share ideas about best
practices in management, learn new approaches, and keep With enough determination and practice, you should have
close tabs on developments in business and technology. It a networking system that works for you. Don’t be scared
helps you to see the bigger picture and create your own to introduce yourself to people, ask for their contact
visionary approach. So how do you build a strong strategic information, or see what’s new with their company so you
network? can learn from them. As business professionals, we’re all
1. Change Your Mindset: The first thing that prevents in the same boat trying to make connections. Be deliberate
about what organizations and events you attend to help you
us from building a strategic network is our mindset that connect with potential contacts. And take action! With a bit
networking is self-serving. When we believe that any of confidence, you’ll be able to network like a pro. 

attempt to establish relationships is only for our benefit,
we are less inclined to pursue these conversations. “It’s
all about me, and I’m uncomfortable asking for help.” A
strong network, however, is built with mutually beneficial
relationships; where both parties benefit. In the process of
getting to know someone, you need to understand how you
can add value and help them, and in return they will be
willing to help you. As you meet people, ask them open- ®
ended questions about their company. What are they
working on? What are some of their current challenges?
If there’s an opportunity for you to help by sharing your
similar experience or connecting them to a resource, do so.
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THE COMPASS | Issue 3 | 2019 5