The Misconception of Networking

I cannot speak for others, but this article is based solely off of my own experiences. It seems to me that there is a misconception among young professionals of what networking really is. When the term "networking" comes into conversation, I immediately have flashbacks to when I was standing in an overcrowded room, with sweaty palms, quickly having three minute conversations with employers. And for a time, that was what I thought expanding my network was. But I have realized once I stopped walking into those hot rooms, what true connections come from. Networking is nothing more than being a curious human, with a hunger for learning more about the other inhabitants of this earth. It's all about being genuine in your interest of the vibrant lives that others are living.

I know many who find it hard to talk to people. The horrible thought of "small talk" terrifies many people, simply because it seems that this goes nowhere. But, small talk is what takes many connections from the superficial, to the meaningful level. Many don't remember, but you made "small talk" with your best friend in grade school. By being interested in what someone else is doing during their day, that simple "How are you?" takes a relationship a long way. But the key factor to building a relationship is listening. Paying attention to the small details of someone's life takes you a long way. That side note that someone may make about their car, their significant other, or their hobby? That is where you will find the common denominator that makes us human beings. And that is where the curiosity to learn more ought to kick in.

Many underestimate the power of a simple phrase that goes a long way. Tell me more about that. Asking for more information about someone's life, and as stated before, taking a genuine interest, builds lasting relationships. And when you listen to that response, you can learn more. You find out about what makes that person a human. And that is all networking is. It doesn't happen in a stuffy room always. It happens by living life fully, and learning about those with the vibrant lives that may or may not impact our own.