My Misconceptions about Networking and how they've Changed

Taking a Lifeversity course was always at the back of my mind and I finally did something about it.  I started off my tenure by taking a networking and personal branding masterclass and while my LinkedIn network- in their ocean of achievements- may be an expert in this, I knew I needed help. 

Here are 4 misconceptions I had and soon learned not to be true 

1. Initiating a conversation is networking 

While initiating a conversation is definitely among the first few steps of networking, the act goes way beyond that. 

I found that maintaining relationships with the people I initiate conversations with is so much more important. A 5 minute dialogue with someone I don’t know will not bloom into anything unless I make the effort to keep that dialogue going. 

To build a strong network I will need to adapt mechanisms to keep it from wavering.

2. Networking is formal and for professional purposes only 

The image I attached to the idea of networking was unchanged since I had learned what it is. People clad in suits, a drink in their hand and an aura of professionalism. 

While this may be one facet of it- networking isn’t so transactional. Instead of assigning it a role of bringing professional gain, I am starting to look at it as a community of people that make me who I am. In short- you are who you surround yourself with.

I now cherish the personal development and insight I gain from my network far more than the professional opportunities it can give me (though that is always a plus).

3.   If I foster the skills I need for what I want to do- I don’t need to “network”

The world is too vast for all cards that may ever exist for me, to be visible on my table. 

I am taking more steps in order to make myself and the skills I have taken my time to hone- more visible. Spotlighting my capacities to those that aren’t aware of them yet or need another glimpse.

4. I have one “personal brand”

If I take pride in the array of skills and interests I harbour, it would be impossible to accurately describe them all on one definitive way. 

One week of the masterclass was centred around developing different pitches for various facets of mine all of which showed the same person in a new perspective. 

Similar to how lighting and shadow work change the structure of a portrait- depending on my audience and the “me” that I want to portray- my image is also changing and dynamic.

With a strong understanding of which of my personal brands will add the most value in a given situation, I will not only help enrich my own network but make room for it to nurture me too.