There are 4 stages of networking:
The first stage is when you begin to engage with people & form new relationships. This is how you become part of a network.
The second stage is defining your role in the network. Now this will come with time you may not be clear about it initially. If you dont define your role then your actions will not be focussed & you wont be able to perform your role. An example of your role could be connecting people together so they can benefit. You could become a connector.
The third stage is playing your role everyday. Your actions will eventually determine how well you network. It is also the reason why people will come to you. Now if people find out you are a connector they will come to you for connections. You have to wake up each day & play your role consistently. This builds trust & credibility & more people want to network with you.
The fourth stage is giving back. As you perform your role you may want to help people. Now in many ways through your role you may be doing it. But this should be done explicitly too. You may want to help someone in need. This you would do in addition to your role. This is the good karma you will do.
For example
My role is that of a storyteller. I share stories that may change the way people look at things.
My actions are writing stories. It spreads hope & positivity. Probably why people read my stories & then approach me.
My giving back is helping people who may be stuck somewhere. I do it both formally & informally. Formally by being a coach, informally by being a friend who cares.
This simple framework which has helped me become a networker on linkedin.
Now you must have noticed that I did not mention anything about my agenda. Simply because it will make me a poor networker. If you give freely you will always get. The moment you have an agenda you may not be able to play your role well. You may focus more on results than actions. You may lose focus.
If you have an agenda, people will find out.
Having an agenda seems selfish. No one wants to hang out or network with selfish people, those who only wish to take, not give.
If you give, the get will happen automatically.
Thoughts?
P.S: Job seeker is not a role
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