How To Reap The Benefits Of Networking

In all professional communities, and especially in the business world, people talk about the importance of networking. However, the practice of networking does not necessarily come naturally to some people. Some say that it makes them feel fake. The desire to advance oneself seems like questionable motivation for talking to people. It seems selfish and maybe even immoral. To other people, it may seem tiring or terrifying. For people who are not naturally extroverts, it seems draining to interact with others, especially with a specific goal in mind. But here are a few examples in which networking is a valuable tool.

The Story of Betsy

Betsy is raising two young sons. She is raising them on her own, since her husband left five years ago. She is a manager at a supermarket. The pay is alright, but the hours keep her away from her sons far more than she would like. Betsy love to browse thrift stores and flea markets for vintage jewelry. She has a fantasy of going into business for herself, selling fine costume jewelry wholesale. Then, she could set her own hours and be with her sons more often. She needs to speak with other female entrepreneurs. Betsy could really benefit from the knowledge and expertise of other women who have traveled the road on which she wishes to embark.

Carson’s Story

At 21 years of age, Carson is graduating from college this year. His grandfather has set aside a large amount of money as a graduation gift for Carson. Carson’s family has joked that he will squander it like the Prodigal Son in the Bible story. But Carson has plans. He wants to invest the money wisely so that it will grow. However, he is wary, due to the horror stories he’s heard about bad or fraudulent investments. Carson needs more advice than the investing books he purchased from the bookstore can give him. He needs to consult with his grandfather and some of his grandfather’s investing buddies, to get some first hand tips.

The Story of Dennis

At 64 years old, Dennis is looking back with pride on the past twenty years, in which he has owned and managed his own motorcycle repair business. While he is not ready to step down yet, Dennis does have his eye on the future. He plans to retire within ten years, and wants his oldest son Trevor to take over the business. Dennis needs to develop a strategy for business succession planning. He need to speak with other family business owners who have transferred their business from one family member to another. A smooth transition will be best for Dennis, Trevor, and the repair shop.

There are countless other situations in which networking could be a huge help. If you are worried about sincerity, make sure that you are truly interested in learning other people’s stories and strategies. Learn from them while getting to know them as people.