NETWORKING
Networking and a PC (Post Coronavirus) World It might strike readers as a bit bizarre to be reading an article about Networking when everybody is cooped up like battery hens but the reality is that, eventually, these days will pass and we will get back to something approximating to normality. BY KINGSLEY AIKINS These are indeed extraordinary times and today we don't know what tomorrow will bring. It reminds me of a quote from Lenin who said "Sometimes decades pass and nothing happens and then weeks pass and decades happen". So true. So, this is a truly awful and tragic period. However when we look to history we see that even worse events such as the two World Wars and the Great Depression were followed by periods of great growth driven by innovation and creativity. This will be no exception. With many of us confined to working from home and obeying the rules of social distancing, now might be an opportune time to turn remote working into remote learning, and self-isolation into self-development. Now that you have some time on your own, think about investing in yourself and getting better at something that is always important but rarely urgent. As the old saying goes "When business is down that's when you paint the shop". So don't get down - get ready. Tough times never last but tough people do.
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A core truth about business is that everything is about connections. Networks are built first and foremost upon a very basic human need enjoying people. One conversation or one introduction can change your life but they don't happen lying in bed or sitting at your desk. They happen when you are in motion. They happen when you break your routines. They happen when you talk to people you don't know. So key now is to realise how important your network is going to be and put building a strong and diverse network front and centre. Life is a game of inches and you need every advantage you can get - your network can be the difference maker. It all comes down to three things changing your attitude, altering your behaviour and learning some new skills. Building a strong and diverse network is a necessity, not a luxury there is a price to be paid in being an average networker. Having lived and worked in six countries I found networking was the key ingredient that made everything happen.
Connecting Irish Entrepreneurs and Business Professionals, Globally
However, let's be honest. There are some real problems with Networking - most people hate the thought of it. It conjures up images of high energy, noisy, smarmy individuals flicking out business cards at a ferocious pace at a Networking event and constantly looking over your shoulder to find someone more interesting to talk to. In addition, Networking is not taught at school or college, it's not a KPI, companies don't have strategies for it, and it doesn't show up in the recruitment process. In short, Networking is important but not urgent. People mix up Networking and sociability. They think that the most extrovert type person is the best networker. In fact, the exact opposite is often the case. Seemingly shy, introvert types can be terrific networkers because they do it with decency and authenticity - they listen, and they ask questions. Okay- so we agree it's important what next? This is when you have to ask yourself the brutal question. Is my network good enough for where I want to go in the next five years and the only way you can find an answer
