TIN #072 - The Essential Mindsets for Networking Success
If You're Networking Is Not Working, Reset Your Mindset
Dear Networkers,
This week, let's unravel a common dilemma in networking:
The feeling of that your networking is not working.
Surprisingly, the root cause often lies not in the actions we take, but in our mindset.
Ready to explore how changing your thinking can change your networking game?
This issue takes about 5 minutes to read.
But Before We Get Started…
Each week, I post a new podcast with tips you’ll find in the weekly newsletter and bonus stories, wisdom, and motivation. The Introverted Networker podcast is like the weekly newsletter but with additional narration and thoughts from me. Be sure to listen to this week’s podcast and check out the previous episodes of the podcast as well.
The video version of the podcast is available on my YouTube channel.
Understanding How Mindsets Help/Hurt Our Networking
There are four mindsets I use when I network:
The Giving Mindset
The Small Mindset
The Consistency Mindset
The East To Help Mindset
I wrote about these mindsets in my eBook, “15 Minute Networking,” but wanted to share them again in this issue.
Let’s look at each one in more detail…
1. The Giving Mindset:
Many of us hesitate to network because it feels like asking for favors.
Shift this perception by adopting a giving mindset.
When you focus on what you can offer others, you create a reciprocity loop.
This approach removes the discomfort and makes networking a process of mutual benefit.
2. The Small Mindset:
Networking seems daunting when viewed as a large, time-consuming task.
The small mindset breaks it down.
Spend just 15 minutes a day on networking activities like sending emails or making calls.
These bite-sized efforts can lead to significant results without feeling overwhelming.
3. The Consistency Mindset:
The small mindset makes networking seem less overwhelming, but…
Consistency is crucial.
If you only network one time for 15 minutes, you won’t make progress.
You have to show up consistently.
A mere 15 minutes a day adds up to over 90 minutes a week – almost two hours of networking!
Regular, small efforts compound, leading to substantial progress over time.
4. The Easy to Help Mindset:
Make it easy for others to help you.
Instead of asking for vague favors like passing on your resume, provide specific requests.
For example, ask for introductions at specific companies.
This clarity makes it more likely for others to assist you effectively.
Bonus Insight: The Golden Rule of Networking
Consider the golden rule in networking:
Treat others as you'd like to be treated.
Before sending a message or making a request, ask yourself if you'd respond positively if you were on the receiving end.
This simple principle can guide your networking efforts and help overcome hesitations.
Deep Dive: Applying These Mindsets in Real Scenarios
Giving Mindset: Think about ways you can add value to your network. Can you offer advice, make an introduction, or share a resource? When you help without expecting immediate returns, you build trust and goodwill, paving the way for future support.
Small Mindset: Identify one small networking action you can take daily. It could be reconnecting with an old colleague, commenting on a LinkedIn post, or joining a professional group. Small steps can lead to significant opportunities.
Consistency Mindset: Set a daily reminder for your networking activity. Consistency builds habit and makes networking a natural part of your routine, not an occasional, forced effort.
Easy to Help Mindset: When seeking help, be clear and concise. Provide specific details about what you need and why. This clarity not only makes it easier for others to help you but also shows respect for their time and resources.
Conclusion: Mindset Matters
Remember, the key to effective networking lies in your approach and mindset.
By focusing on giving, starting small, being consistent, and making it easy for others to help you, you can transform your networking experiences from daunting to rewarding.
Call to Action
Try implementing one of these mindsets in your networking this week and share your experiences with me.
Your insights are valuable, and I'm here to support your journey every step of the way.
Stay connected,
Greg, The Introverted Networker
Before You Go…
On December 28th at 2PM Eastern Time, I’ll be sharing my 5-Step Networking Process via a live presentation on Zoom.
If you’d like to register, here’s the link to sign up.
If you can’t make it, but want to watch it later, sign up and I’ll send the recording after the presentation.
Weekly Tidbits
Throughout the week, I find interesting things. I love sharing them with my readers:
The Strategic Networker is a newsletter from Mike Marcellus. I hadn’t heard of it until this week, but it’s got over 220k readers! Especially liked Mike’s take on the question: How Can I Help You?