Is Networking Hard? Relax and Try This

As an introverted person, I am always intimidated by networking and other social events, which is one of the reasons why I practice public speaking and meeting new people as a volunteer LinkedIn instructor and career counselor.

During these sessions, it is very common to hear people say “networking is hard” or “I don’t know very many people.”

My response to this is to always view networking from a different perspective, and I tell them about a conversation I had with my retired elementary school teacher friend. We talked about networking, LinkedIn, Facebook, YouTube, eBay and beBee, and how “connected” we have become.

She looked at me and said, “You young people are always re-inventing the wheel. When I was a little girl, we called this ‘making new friends.’”
Ms. Leary, retired teacher

So if you think networking is hard, think about that story, and relax. Let’s just start making new friends – both on-line and in-person.

For a great example of what I mean, read the interview by Teresa Gezze about how two strangers - Don Kerr and Kevin Pashuk - living near to each other, and how they independently discovered beBee. It's called "Show & Tell: How Kevin and Don Took Online Networking to the Real World."

Food ... “has a unique ability to facilitate conversation.”
Keith Ferrazzi

As a serious barbecue cook, I know this is true.

So I started something I call “BBQ Networking.” It is a simple spring and summer (or whenever the mood strikes me) pot luck event with a twist: I strategically select guests from my network, mixing business- and non-business people in as many fields or industries as possible. Most, if not all, of the invitees do not know each other, but I am the common thread between everyone.

In my invitation, I tell them up front the BBQ Networking event is a pot-luck party, and “an opportunity to make new friends and enjoy great food in a relaxing, no-pressure atmosphere.”

At first I hesitated to do this, since it was the first time I mixed my various “friend groups” at a single event. (This was covered in a Seinfeld episode, where George has the fear of having “Independent George” socializing with “Relationship George.”)

When guests arrive, I have them enter their name and contact information into my vintage “toy” computer. They can enter their information or decline to do so. Name tags are also available so everyone can see each other's names, decreasing the awkwardness. After the event, I share contact information with the group, but only if they supplied their contact info and only if they opted-in.

The first event turned out much better than I hoped. Everyone made new friends. At least two of my friends got introduced to possible job opportunities. I made Brazilian Style Rib Roast.

The BBQ Networking events fit well into my normal repertoire, and it is fun to watch the chemistry work among my friends.

Give it a Try with Your Own Ideas
But it does not have to be an “eating event.” What about trying the same concept with a round of golf or a diving session? What non-work passions can you share with others?

So give this new-old idea of making new friends a try, and let me know what happened. If we are not connected on social media, reach out to me so we can leverage the power of our networks to get what we want!

Tags: #SocialMedia #Networking #BBQ #Barbecue #Barbacoa #Careers #CareerManagement #beBee #LinkedIn #KeithFerrazzi #NeverEatAlone

About Wayne Yoshida