When Networking, Don’t Overlook Your Personal Network

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The advent of social media has made networking a hot topic, but networking has been around much longer than the Internet. Has the Web made it easier? Of course it has. On-line networks are not only more accessible, but they’re “available” 24/7, grow exponentially and can even be laid out in an easy-to-see diagram, complete with photos and bios, if necessary. And that has many advantages. But don’t overlook the old-fashioned network—those personal contacts you see and speak to every day. Those who have some stake in your success—whether they know it or not.

We give you five key things you can do right now to start building a better, and more beneficial, personal support network:

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Expand your own interpersonal power

•   Develop your skills and expertise. Developing new skills and expertise will increase your value in the company.

•   Determine the most effective way for you to communicate within your organization. Does upper management prefer to correspond via e-mail, phone or written memo?

•   Raise your “likability” level. Your ability to get along with others is an important factor in growing a network. If you’re known as a “people person,” the word gets around.

•   Learn to manage conflict by involving others in the process, thus making the solution more acceptable to them.

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Get others on your side

•   Select those people you can count on to support you

•   Develop good listening skills, and then be willing to listen

•   Use the corporate grapevine to your advantage. Make your accomplishments known to others—in a non-boastful way—and the good word about you will spread.

•   Help others achieve their goals. This will create positive relationships.

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Cooperate with your peers and form alliances

•   Do favors for others, and they’ll be more likely to do them for you in return

•   Help out in ways you aren’t formally expected to. If you have a special skill, share it with others who may benefit from it.

•   Compliment your peers, but be sure your compliments are sincere and thought out—not off the cuff

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Support your own supervisor

•   Honor the chain of command. You cannot expect respect if you don’t show it yourself.

•   Help your supervisor reach his or her objectives

•   Give credit when it’s due. Taking credit for someone else’s ideas or work will create hard feelings. You end up losing more than you gain.

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Make yourself visible to top management

•   Take initiative. Look for ways in which you can shine.

•   Use sensitivity and good judgment, and you’ll always be noticed for your positive outcomes

•   Look the part. Dress for the job you want—not the job you’re in.

•   Think creatively. Learn to be a problem solver who’s not reluctant to take on issues and challenges.

•   Volunteer for special projects, then roll up your sleeves, jump in and make them successful

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professional careers. Join our 10+ million customers who, since

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