Episodes

Tune in to episode 2 of session 3 where I talk about why networking is important and why you should network. Even though I’m going to talk about why networking is important for you, networking, at its core, is about building relationships and supporting others. In this episode, I’ll share how I went from being a shy kid who lacked self-confidence to a networking expert, and how you can too. Remember: it’s not only about career growth; it’s about so much more. I’ll also talk about some of the research around the benefits of networking and some great advice from senior leader at Shopify, Christine Silva.

Show Transcript

Did you have a chance to listen to the last podcast episode where I explain what networking is? If not, you definitely have to have a listen before we dive into this next episode. This episode is all about why networking is important and why you should network.

Even though I’m going to talk about why networking is important for you, remember that networking, at its core, is about building relationships and supporting others. 

You’ve probably guessed that I’m going to say that networking can help you advance your career, get you a job, or help you build your business, but it’s so much more than that. 

A few years ago, I was introduced to Christine Silva who is now a senior leader at Shopify. She had done a ton of research for Catalyst, a global non-profit supporting women in the workplace, about leadership development for women. She told me that the research found there were only two things that get women ahead at work. It’s not taking more courses or taking on more responsibilities and workload, and it’s not coming in early and staying late.

It was about tooting your own horn and networking. The truth is, managers and senior leaders are too busy to notice what you’re doing, even if they really like you. This is not only true for the workplace but for building your business or brand as well. You need to meet people, virtually or in person, show up on their social media, and tell them what you do. You are your best advocate. I know it can feel icky, especially if you’re an introvert, but it’s essential no matter what stage of your career you’re at. 

When I was younger, I was always really shy and lacked self-confidence because I didn’t think anyone cared about what I had to say or contribute. In my early 20s, the company I was working at had sent me to a design conference in Orlando all by myself. To kick off the conference, there was a networking event by the pool. I stood back near the bushes and never spoke to anyone the entire time. I also ducked out quickly way before the event ended. I couldn’t imagine approaching a stranger because I didn’t think I had anything to offer, just like how I felt when I was a kid. 

What changed? First, I started reading self-improvement books. I’d highly recommend “How to win friends and influence people” by Dale Carnegie. I also had mentors and managers who took me under their wing and coached me on how to network. The more I networked, the more comfortable I got doing it, and the more I realized people actually wanted to talk to me and listen to what I had to say. Those people would then introduce me to other people because they thought we could benefit from knowing each other. The more people I met, the more people reached out to provide me with opportunities that I never asked for.

It’s no surprise the more people you meet, the more opportunities you are exposed to. When you’re top of others’ minds, they are more likely to send opportunities your way. Networking introduces you to all different kinds of people, which is why sharing your expertise and knowledge can solidify those relationships. People who know, like, and trust you, are more likely to help you out when you’re looking for new business or work. 

It’s important to remember that although it does happen, it’s unlikely that you will meet someone at an event and the next day you will get a business opportunity from them. It could take months or even years for it to turn into something more. You may even meet someone who is only at the beginning of their journey but ends up being hugely successful later in life. It’s about nurturing relationships over time. 

Networking is not only about expanding your community but your mind. I’m an entrepreneur at heart and I’m always coming up with different ideas. If I’m stuck on something or not sure what direction to go, I often reach out to someone in my network who I think can provide a different angle or perspective. 

Keep in mind that you can’t just keep reaching out to people and not give back in return. A good practice is to support them prior to asking for help. For example, if they wrote a book, share it with your network, write a review, or introduce them to someone who might be interested in connecting with them. If you need their help down the line, they’ll be more than happy. 

Developing relationships is a key aspect to networking. One way I do this is through Meetups. My profile says that I’ve been a member of the platform since 2004. I’ve attended hiking meetups, dog walking meetups, brunch meetups, and a ton more. I love it. At the time, I never thought of it as networking but that’s exactly what it is. 

A review of 148 studies found that people with strong social relationships are 50% less likely to die prematurely. Not only does relationship-building help with networking, it can help you live longer, deal with stress, be healthier, and provide you with a greater sense of purpose. My goal when attending Meetups was purely to get out of the house and meet new people; however, some of these people have also turned into business relationships. One of the first women I met introduced me to someone who later sat on the board of Lean In Canada and another helped me with a real estate deal I was working on 17 years later. Talk about nurturing! 

If you’ve listened to any of my podcast episodes, you’ll know my guests all say networking is about giving not getting. I’ve often called that the “connector’s high”. When you see something develop from a connection you’ve made, it makes you feel good. In fact, Jamil Zaki, a professor of psychology at Stanford University, researched the viral nature of kindness. He found that when you are kind to someone and that person accrues benefits from that, they are more likely to do something for someone else in return. Sometimes networking is just about feeling good.

As I said at the beginning, networking is about so much more than only career or business growth. Maybe you have a broken pipe in your house one day — your network can set you up with a plumber they trust. Or maybe you find you need a support system during a difficult time. Networking is about creating meaningful connections and building the self-confidence you need to do that. Remember that one conversation with someone you didn’t expect to have could totally change your path. You never know where your life will take you. 

Thanks for tuning in to Connect and Bloom — a podcast that empowers women to master the art of networking and make life-changing connections. Got a burning question about networking? Share it below, or shoot me an email at despina@connectandbloom.com If you want to explore this topic further, head on over to the Connect and Bloom website, follow me on Instagram or Facebook, or — if you haven’t already — subscribe to this podcast. Be sure to connect ~ and bloom ~ with me again in our next episode!