Nuances of NETWORKING

Nuances of NETWORKING

WHILE IT IS IMPORTANT TO NETWORK,THE TRICK LIES IN LEARNING THE ART OF GOOD NETWORKING

The world has witnessed colossal transformations at workplace in the last few decades, with implementation of some ultra-cool practices like flexitiming, virtual team-work, paidparental leaves, video-conference meetings, and women in workforce.The one thing that has survived the winds of change and evolved with times is the need to socialise or network. “Networking is the nuts and bolts of survival in existing times and it is crucial to have a network in different platforms of life, be it social, personal, official, or political,“ says MK Gupta, director, Department of Public Enterprises.

Networking has matured from a negotiable ballgame into a transformational process. It's not anymore about 'who heshe is', but about 'who heshe is growing to be'.People make connections based on their interests and beliefs rather than the job positions and compensation categories. “Networking helps develop deeper business relations which can be extended on a foundation of trust, thus smoothening the decision as to which product, service or solution might suit the client best,“ says Prashant Kala, AVP sales, Zomato, Philippines.The days of power plays are long gone and corporate professionals are more pragmatic with their approach of intrinsic values, personality-clicks and connections.

But for some of them, networking still isn't their favourite dinner conversation part, they still dread it, and find it arduous to rub elbows. So, how can one become a networking crackerjack? Here are a few tips that can be used in common situations.

POA (PLAN OF ACTION):

Let technology help with the hobnob.Figure out prior to the conference, who are the potential nodes for networking, their areas of interest, find common areas and interests, so that the conversation is beneficial mutually . Prasanjit Sarkar, senior consultant, The Talent, strictly believes that the notion of telling people about your skills by sharing CVs is an oldschool approach and gives them a very restricted perspective, whereas interacting over conferences, meetings is a souped up opportunity for showcasing skills in a more credible manner. The mantra, today is simple, it's not what you know, but who you know.

MAKE NOTES:

The act of writing or recording information, helps motor, visual and auditory recall.One can categorise the distinguished people, and keep a track of their profile by writing brief points on their visiting cards.

OPEN UP:

The anxiety and hesitation is common in such situations. One should swear by listening for the first 10-15 minutes.Remember the 'platinum words': every good conversation starts with listening. Shehe can pick up cues, and topics of interest to continue.Make sure that ifwhen one talks business, it shouldn't present a picture that 'it' was the only thing you wanted to talk about.

IMPROMPTU CONVERSATIONS:

Since it is a casual party, one can be more relaxed, and can have spontaneity in one's interactions.Make introductions a fun session, rather than an interviewinterrogation, tell a short anecdote or a joke, and make it more memorable. This is the perfect place to flaunt that sense of humour, but make sure it does not offend people.

ACKNOWLEDGE THE LOT:

Though the adjacent lady or the guy at the corner chair may not be a potential network node, one shouldn't give them a cold-shoulder.Be nice and at least greet them, or involve them in the general affairs.

SWITCH SUBJECTS:

Avoid getting stuck in lengthy debates. Try pulling a third person in the conversation or even better, shift to a related, interesting fresh perspective or topic. One should make sure not to make the situation awkward or act rude.

Source | Times of India | 2 December 2015

Regards

Pralhad Jadhav

Khaitan & Co