TIN #092 - How I Turned Networking into a Tool for Helping Others
The Real Reason Behind My Passion for Teaching Networking
Someone asked me why I spend my time teaching others how to network.
It's a great question and one that deserves a detailed response.
This issue takes about 4 minutes to read…
Before We Get Started:
My online course, “5 Steps To Grow Your Professional Network,” is FREE for all my newsletter subscribers. Learn the process I use everyday to grow my professional network.
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.
Why I Started Networking
Back in 2012, I faced a career hiccup many fear: I lost my job.
Until then, networking was a vague concept to me.
I thought is was all about small talk and schmoozing at social events.
These activities felt anything but natural to me.
When I lost my job, out of necessity, I began reaching out to former colleagues.
This felt safer and more genuine. To my surprise, it was effective.
It was through these connections that I eventually found new job opportunities.
More importantly, I discovered a way networking could be natural and authentic.
Why This Matters to You
By understanding my journey and motivations, I hope you can see the genuine intent behind my advice.
It's not just about what works in theory; it's about what's worked for me and many others who've found success through authentic connections.
Realizing the Power of Networking
When I found a new job, I said to myself:
“I never want to feel under-networked again.”
That drove me to continue doing the networking things I had done during my job search:
Start with who you know - I made a list of people I worked with and networked with in my job search. These were people I was going to stay in touch with. As I met new people, I added them to the list.
Re-connect - Over time, I periodically contacted people on my list and had phone calls or in person meetings with them. Of course, since I had a job, I was able to slow down on my pace of connecting, but I never stopped reconnecting with people
Listen - During my conversations with my connections, I listened to what they were working on and what they were looking for in their networking.
Give - Since I didn’t need anything at the time, I was able to focus my networking on helping the people. I gave them advice, introductions, and recommendations. My goal was to help whoever I could.
Be Easy to Help - After I helped other people, they asked how they could help me. I didn’t need a job, but I always had companies or people I wanted to meet. I gave my connections the names of these people or companies. I asked them to introduce me to someone, if they knew anyone. If they introduced me to someone new, I went back to the beginning of the process.
Following this process, networking became not just a tool for future job searches but a profound way to help others.
For instance, I once helped a new acquaintance land a job perfectly suited for him, right as I secured my own new position.
The joy I found in helping him was a revelation.
Why I Keep Teaching Networking
This experience transformed my perspective on networking.
I realized I had knowledge worth sharing, especially with those who, like me, aren't naturally inclined to "work a room."
My methods might not be conventional, but they're effective, especially for introverts seeking genuine connections.
The more I taught people about networking, the more I realized how many people don’t understand it.
I knew I had the experience to help others and the fulfillment I received when networking “clicked” for them led me to share my process across multiple formats:
My Book: The Fast and Easy Guide To Networking For Introverts
My Newsletter: The Introverted Networker
My FREE course: “5 Steps To Grow Your Professional Network
The newest format I’m developing is called The Introverted Networker Playbook.
This is a networking plan to give you a step by step process you can follow daily.
It’s based on the 5 steps in my course, and also contains a Connection tracking list, Target Company List, and resources to help you with every step in the process.
If you are interested in helping me test an early version of the Playbook, send me an email at greg@gregsroche.com
Networking as a Lifelong Journey
Networking isn't a one-time task; it's a continuous journey.
It's not about having the perfect icebreaker or the most contacts—it's about building relationships that are meaningful and mutually beneficial.
Whether you're job searching or happily employed, the connections you nurture can provide support, insight, and opportunities.
Let's Connect!
I encourage you to reach out with your questions and stories of networking triumphs (or challenges). Each interaction is a chance to learn and grow together.
Before You Go…
Check out a couple of interesting items I wanted to share with you this week:
Simplified by Rishav Jain: A weekly newsletter that simplifies complex ideas into actionable insights. It covers topics ranging from self-improvement to entrepreneurship, and financial growth. Subscribe today for a better life!
Check it out here:
Adam Broda shared an idea for connecting with recruiters by congratulating your colleagues who landed new roles. You need to add this to your networking tool kit!
