Read These Two Books to Grow Your Professional Network
Because when you are an introvert, you need to read books on how to network ;)
When it comes to networking, I am very much against manipulative techniques:
I give you a freebie so subconsciously you will be more inclined to reciprocate. I make a superficial compliment to an influential person to hopefully get some of that attention. I connect with you with the primary goal of getting perks or favours.
This is not what networking should be about.
If you also think this way, these two books might interest you:
“Reach Out” by Molly Beck
The premise of this book is quite simple and is based on its author’s networking success story:
Quite literally, reach out every. single. day.
Molly’s point is that life gets in the way and unless you are intentional and consistent about connecting with people, you will not accomplish your networking goals. This method can still be adapted to one’s busy life — such as planning out your “reach outs” on Sundays.
For Molly, reach out does not mean just saying hi or immediately asking strangers for favors. These will be ignored or cause irritation.
Instead, your reaching out to a person should be meaningful and bring them value. It can be as easy as sharing an article of interest. Most importantly, it should be something that will make their day better.
So for me (and the way I understand this book), you have to actually mean it:
I thought about you when I saw an event or a publication, so I want to genuinely share it with you. I found something that might be useful in your role and I want to share it with you to make your life easier. I am legitimately interested in you and in what you think.
Full disclosure: I tried using Molly’s method (reaching out every single day) and I failed. But what I did take from this book is the intention behind reaching out to people:
It is about bringing genuine value. This is how you make authentic, meaningful connections. Don’t think “what is in it for me”, just be open, ready to help, and eager to learn.
“Content Based Networking” by James Carbary
This book was maybe not exactly what I was expecting, but I did learn from it.
It is meant for those who produce content.
If you do, content based networking means that you can reach out to people of interest by offering them content collaboration.
This method relies on the fact that we all like attention, recognition and compliments. So, by inviting someone to create content together (record a podcast, give an interview and the like), you are “shining the light” on them and giving them that sweet, sweet recognition.
Of course, there is limits to this approach. Obama will not show up in a podcast with 100 subscribers. It all takes time and perseverance. Also, just as I said before it is about genuine connections and wanting to learn from others — not name dropping for your ego’s sake.
Naturally, the book dedicates a section on content creation. Here, the part that I enjoyed most is the fake it until you make it approach to beat the imposter syndrome.
In the context of content creation, it goes like this:
You don’t need to be an expert on a topic to start creating content on it. You learn as you go, and inviting people to collaborate on your content will propel your learning.
This does not mean you just settle for creating bad quality content. More than anything, it is about letting go of the fear of judgment and over-analysis. Yes, you can.
As you know, there is no book review without beer review. My Medium, my rules.
Today’s beer is a delicious Einstök White Ale from a cosy pub in Reykjavik 🇮🇸
The winter is indeed coming.
