Whether you have a job, own a business, or are looking for a job, chances are you are networking now more than ever. Networking is placed on a pedestal like no other and you can barely go through 24 hours without someone telling you “it’s all about networking” and “you have to be out there networking”. I agree networking is immensely powerful but if you don’t do it consciously, strategically, and authentically, you are probably just wasting your time. Anyone who has been in business longer than a few months knows the power of building relationships with other people. Networking (online and off) is an excellent way to do that. Job seekers who only look at ads or attempt to find a new position the passive route are missing the boat because according to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, 70 percent of all jobs are found through networking.

So we all intuitively know that networking is important but are you clear on what you’re doing, why you’re doing it, and what results you are seeing? It is very easy to just hop from event to event or from one social networking site to another and find that all you accomplished was passing time, money, and miles.I like Elisa Camahort’s definition of networking from her personal blog:

My definition of the purpose of networking: to connect two or more parties for their mutual benefit, with the understanding that you may not be one of the parties, and the benefit may not occur now.

Networking is like planting a garden. You need to seed it, tend to it, and accept the fact that not everything will grow and it will certainly not grow according to your timetable. I know when I am able to connect two people I am thrilled. It doesn’t have to benefit me directly because I know what goes around comes around. Not to mention it just plain feels good to pay forward some of the connections and blessings I’ve received over the years.

Single Minded Women offer some good advice for networking online and off and the importance of integrating the two worlds. While I agree with them that casting a wider net will from a mathematical standpoint increase your chances of a catch I would recommend striving for quality over quantity. Networking is NOT about showing up and passing business cards. It is about listening, connecting, and being authentic. This holds true just as much on Twitter as it does at the local Chamber event.Social Networking has opened up the floodgates especially for introverts.

In fact here at Queercents we ran a good series on Networking for Introverts a while back (Part I | Part II) but the information remains relevant. I love the Internet yet I firmly believe you need a real connection beyond just email and 140 character tweets. In-person or on the phone connections will always win out over text alone when it comes to moving connection into actual collaboration. Punk Rock HR has a good take on this in “Networking Sucks Do It Anyway”. I love this statement:

I did it because a handshake, no matter what, always trumps a poke on Facebook.

I would add to that a phone call. A lot of my business is done via phone and while I love the face-to-face meetings sometimes business happens long before an in-person meeting happens (if it ever does). I’ve been partnering on Queercents for years now but have yet to meet Nina, the founder, in person although we have spent countless hours on the phone. Besides just the “get out there and network” advice I would add the following:

  • Know what organizations, events, online sites you are frequenting and why (do potential employers hang out there? your ideal clients? people in your industry?).
  • Be authentic and genuine ALWAYS. (non-stop self-promotion online or off makes me want to hurl)
  • Manage your time (quality over quantity) – it is better to be actively involved in several groups than surface dweller in many.
  • Measure your results (results may not look like jobs or business but if you aren’t both giving and receiving, it is not the right fit).

How about you? What networking secrets and resources can you share? How do you measure your own ROI from networking? Comment away…

Paula Gregorowicz, owner of The Paula G. Company, offers life coaching for lesbians to help you gain the clarity, confidence, and courage you need to have success on your own terms. Get the free eCourse “5 Steps to Turn Fear Into Freedom” at her website