Networking assignment

 

The Little Black Book Connection

Networking

By Melissa Miranda

Often, I hear people say, “it’s all in who you know.” That always sounded like an excuse people adopt when they didn’t get what they wanted. Over the years, I’ve come to appreciate that even with hard work and dedication – knowing the right people in the right places is extremely beneficial.
My boss at my very first professional turned out to be my first mentor as well. In addition to professionalism, I remember two important lessons from my time under her: 1) never burn your bridges and 2) never have more than one cocktail at a company function. What she meant when she talked about burning bridges didn’t make much sense to me at the time. I was, after all, 19-years old and focused on the current bridge I was on. Over the years, it has become a very important lesson.

I’ve done a stellar job at maintaining a good image and keeping my customers satisfied both internally and externally. What I have not been so good at is developing or maintaining relationships with some of the very influential people that I’ve had the opportunity to rub elbows with over the past 20 years.

The Little Black Book of Connections does a nice job recounting exactly who is in our network – from family and friends to current and past colleagues. As I read the strategies, guidelines, and rules of connecting, I was thrilled to be able to place a big star next to each one that I am proficient at. There was a couple that I marked as my weak spots. For example, #5 – No connection is made without some form of risk. In a group or with a friend, I am much more comfortable taking risks. Take a risk on my own, however, is no easy task. In fact, the energy that I’d exert just to take a risk would have to be outweighed by the benefit; and, since there are no guarantees in networking, I’m likely to pass up the opportunity. Another challenging strategy was, #11 – Your projected image will often determine your ability to make a real connection. I agree that it is not just about class, but about first class. However, I find it challenging to learn how people refer to you behind your back. I agree that this matters tremendously – without knowing, it is difficult to make improvements. Additional insight on how to learn how others perceive you would be beneficial.

Of course, caring too much about what people think of me heightens my insecurities. When the article discussed “limited self-image,” I related immediately. It is difficult, sometimes, for me to trust my abilities, skills, knowledge, and delivery methods. Of course, being aware of this barrier has helped me identify when I am doing it; and, in some cases, I have talked myself out of it. With practice (and perhaps with age) it is getting easier to manage. The last point in the article/book states exactly what I remind myself on a daily basis. That is, all people are equal and that I have something to bring to the table that will compliment what others are bringing to the table. I am working on fear of rejection and self-image.

Additionally, I have to create a desire to meet and connect with new people. I put a lot of energy into the relationships in my life with friends and family. I have to remember that different relationships require different energy and networking relationships are just that.
It certainly is amazing to look at how far I’ve come – even with a fear of networking. I’m intrigued at what effective networking can do for my life.