What does networking mean to you?

[BlueHouse]

I've seen many times on this forum that people say they cannot network because they are introverts or some other reason.  I shall like to describe how I've had success networking as an introvert and maybe some other people will provide examples on how to network.

1.  Volunteer for industry organizations.  You can do as small a job as you like, but get to know people and they know you. 

2.  Through volunteering, people will begin to ask you if you know anybody who can do .....   Find someone you can refer.  Every time.  Put two people in your network together.  They will never forget it. 

3.  Notice that the above two items mean you are doing something for others. THAT is how networking works.  If the first time you're "networking" is when you need something, then you've done it wrong. 

Any other advice for those who think they can't?

[Freedomin5]

In business school, they frequently hosted “networking events” where we stood around for a couple hours drinking wine and schmoozing with “industry leaders”. Those were pretty much torture and for a long time, that’s what I thought networking was. Then I switched careers and learned that networking for an introvert does not require a single schmooze fest.

Networking for me is:

1. Becoming a subject matter expert in a relatively narrow field.
2. Letting people know what I do, whenever I meet a new person.
3. Accepting invitations to give community talks on my field of expertise, even if I don’t know much about the subject. At least I know where to find the information.
4. Responding to emails when people ask for help. Trying to be as helpful as possible.
5. Showing an interest in what other people are doing and asking if they need any help in their projects.

[Bloop Bloop]

I am an introvert, and I have a similar attitude to networking as you do. It's not about "schmoozing", but rather about making acquaintances with, being useful to, and ultimately becoming friends with people in your line of work whom you respect and like.

Your professional friends and acquaintances shape your career more than anything else. So if you are someone who is resistant to schmoozing, think of networking as simply helping out, and making friends with, people that you respect. Seek nothing in return other than a cordial relationship. Karma pays off in spades over time.

The corollary of this is that you should not invest time or patience into peers/colleagues who are envious, spiteful or who have a poor reputation within the field. Because all those negative traits will taint you as well.

[Smokystache]

I like everything that has been said so far - what I would add is simply taking an interest in peoples' professional lives and the field. I deal with a lot of small business owners in a niche field. If you genuinely ask, "What are some of your biggest challenges?" "How has the field changed in the last 5, 10, 20 years?" "Where do you think the field is moving in the next 5/10 years?" you'll have some people who really want to share their opinion. Be genuine, learn, learn, learn, and make it about them.... this is how you learn what their pain-points are and what solutions they will pay for because you'll be solving a huge problem for them.

[Seadog]

Forget the book I read it in, but the author absolutely despised "networking events". He said they were basically lots of low value people with little to add, all looking to meet up with high value people they could get something from. He said he promptly threw all the cards from such events in the trash.

Instead, as BlueHouse said, focus entirely on what you can do for people, and do it for them. You "network" by being useful. Don't keep score. If you're someone who can genuinely add value where ever you can, and without the expectation of reciprocity, people will naturally come to you.

Then, years down the road, it's not even about you needing something per se, as it is something comes up which you know would be a good fit, and where both of you can benefit.

Watch The Godfather. Would provide favours, and may never even call them in. Master networker.

[Wrenchturner]

This sounds like great advice.  Just the type of advice I need, thanks.

[ender]

I have a huge network of folks I "know" only electronically.

[GuitarStv]

Usually configuring routers, dns, dhcp, and sometimes pulling cables.

[Duke03]

For some unknown reason I can network like it's no one's business and I actually get great satisfaction out of helping people out.  It seems like I always end up the person friends, coworkers, managers, neighbors ect go to when they need to be put in contact with someone or need a certain service and don't know where to turn.  Just the other day I was asked how come it always seems like I have the answer to anyone's problem no matter what that is.  You need an awesome cheap plumber, electrician, landscaper, doctor, lawyer, home builder ect ect I got the person just for you.  My honest reply was I've always liked doing favors for people and those people like taking care of me or my friends.  Simple as that.  When it comes to networking you have to be willing to make a lot of deposits with people before you can start making withdraws.  I think this scares a lot of people away and they think networking isn't worth their time.  Life is about relationships.  You need to put in the time and effort to grow those relationships. I get a lot of satisfaction out of helping people that most wouldn't give the time of day to.  People will remember that.

 One more thing I will add.  I make it a point of mine to compliment at least one man I come in contact with each day.  As a fellow man it's scary how little we get compliments on anything.  Wife and kids will go 10 years without complimenting their husband or father about anything.  So a compliment from a fellow man seems to go a very long way.  Nothing cheesy, but if you hear of a coworker going the extra mile or telling a story about how they are going without to make their families life better I always make sure to look him right in the eye shake his hand and tell him he's a good man for doing what he's doing.  Guys will remember this for ever especially if it comes from someone they respect. 

[BlueHouse]

You "network" by being useful. Don't keep score. If you're someone who can genuinely add value where ever you can, and without the expectation of reciprocity, people will naturally come to you.

When it comes to networking you have to be willing to make a lot of deposits with people before you can start making withdraws. 

Couldn't agree more.  Be useful.  I volunteered for a few years at networking events as the member who welcomed new members to the event.  This meant that every person who felt uncomfortable knew they instantly had someone to sit with and speak to.  Anybody who doesn't know what networking is about would think I wasted my time because I wasn't hobnobbing with the most important people.  But every one of those people remembered me for years and they know exactly what I do for a living.    I had many opportunities open up through volunteering at those events.  And the strangest part is, that I never took any of the opportunities offered, (busy elsewhere) and always connected them with another contact. 

[Gone_Hiking]

When it comes to networking you have to be willing to make a lot of deposits with people before you can start making withdraws. 

Couldn't agree more.  Be useful. 

THIS  is the best and most concise networking advice out there.  Every introvert can learn to offer help and grow a substantial network of people who will know the person's ability rather than their gift of gab.

Usually configuring routers, dns, dhcp, and sometimes pulling cables.

LOL, this made my day, thanks!

[SAR]

Soon as I hear the word network, I now automatically think of this:

http://lackingambition.com/?p=301

[Metalcat]

You "network" by being useful. Don't keep score. If you're someone who can genuinely add value where ever you can, and without the expectation of reciprocity, people will naturally come to you.

When it comes to networking you have to be willing to make a lot of deposits with people before you can start making withdraws. 

Couldn't agree more.  Be useful.  I volunteered for a few years at networking events as the member who welcomed new members to the event.  This meant that every person who felt uncomfortable knew they instantly had someone to sit with and speak to.  Anybody who doesn't know what networking is about would think I wasted my time because I wasn't hobnobbing with the most important people.  But every one of those people remembered me for years and they know exactly what I do for a living.    I had many opportunities open up through volunteering at those events.  And the strangest part is, that I never took any of the opportunities offered, (busy elsewhere) and always connected them with another contact.

Precisely.

I would expand on this and also say that the most efficient way to be useful to people is to connect them with other useful people.

I'm a small fry client to a number of businesses, but my value to them is astronomical because of being so connected through my volunteer work and various projects.

It's kind of like how everyone needs a good mechanic, so if you know a good mechanic, you are valuable to every person that needs one.

It's a lot easier to be highly valuable through connections than through only your personal skill set, which is by definition limited. Your capacity for introducing two people who might have value to each other is almost limitless.

So it's not just a matter of "how can I be useful to you?" when you meet someone, but "who do I know who might be useful to you?"

We do this all the time naturally in small ways. If you discover a restaurant that you love, you bring friends there. You are useful to your friends and critically valuable to the restaurant. You get no personal gain, but everyone who benefits will value you for having made that connection.

That's networking. Plain and simple.

I was offered a job in an industry in which I have no formal experience and no direct value.
I was introduced to a high end firm that provides services in my field that I don't need,  but I was so impressed with the business that I referred TONS of clients and got them a ton of exposure through sponsoring my volunteer events.
I'm now head of business development.