Reaping 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 a single mother, raising two children on her own. She works odd hours at a supermarket, and doesn’t get to spend as much time with them as she would like. She longs to be able to set her own hours and decide her own time off. Betsy has a strong interest in and enthusiasm for vintage jewelry. She enjoys combing flea markets and thrift stores for new pieces. She dreams of making her living by selling fine costume jewelry wholesale. In this case, Betsy could really benefit from networking with other women who have gone into business for themselves. She needs to hear the stories of how these other women got started and how they have maintained their businesses. Betsy could join a female entrepreneurs’ group online, or simply ask around in her group of friends to find out if anyone can give her any pointers.

Carson’s Story

Carson is 21 and a senior in college. As a graduation present, his grandmother has set aside a considerable sum of money for him. There have been many jokes in the family about Carson squandering the money like a Prodigal Son, but he has plans to act responsibly. Carson wants to invest the cash, in the hopes that it will multiply. However, he is wary of the investment process. He has heard many frightening stories of people who have lost everything in the wrong investment. He needs more than the tips he finds in the investing books he’s been reading for years. He needs to speak with his grandmother, and anyone else he knows who has real hands on experience in the world of investing.

The Story of Dennis

Dennis is 64 years old. For the past twenty years, he has been the owner of his own motorcycle repair shop. He definitely is not ready to pack in his tool belt yet, but he does have his eye on retiring some time within the next 10 years. He wants to leave the running of the business to his oldest son Trevor, but he’s not sure about the ins-and-outs of business succession planning. Dennis needs to talk with other retired family business owners to find out the steps they took to ensure a smooth transition. He needs to find the best ways to ensure the well-being of his business and his son.

These are just a few situations in which networking can be extremely helpful. Even if it does not come naturally to you, it is a very valuable skill to acquire. It helps if, instead of simply using people for their knowledge, you show genuine interest in hearing their stories. You might make a friend or two along the way.