Art and Science of Professional Networking

Gunjan Sinha

Chairman, Entrepr...

So, how does one form these networks in a digital world, without feeling uncomfortable at the thought of approaching a stranger, without feeling artificial or self-serving? In the physical world, you could go to conferences, attend professional events, go to "cocktail parties", but who has the time to do those things anymore?

The good news is that if done right, the online world presents a powerful media platform to build, manage and grow your linkages of relationships on a global basis, with a click of a mouse. No need to solely rely on expensive events, or cocktail conversations or flying to trade shows to build your network of contacts, if you personally master the online world for building deep professional networks. A network that you can count on for your personal and professional growth.

Every upwardly mobile professional knows the value of contacts. Who you know is some time more important than what you know? So, how does one go about building a great online network, let me share some thoughts on this subject, many of these which I have seen work most effectively for people.

Networking should not be self-serving:

Traditional networking techniques suggest that you identify a person and then you try to network with them and build and cultivate relationship. You do this because it will help you -- This is exactly the reason why networking becomes uncomfortable for both parties, it starts to feel "self-serving". It diminishes the value of the yet-to-be-formed relationship as one struggles with should I or should I not reach out to this person who will eventually help me out in some unknown ways.

Network should not be a list of contacts:

For many people their contacts or networks are a mere thickness of their rolodex. While it is always useful to have people's name, phone #, email id so that you can call them, I wonder the value of this rolodex. What is more important is the depth and the quality of the relationship, not so much as the "quantity" of relationships. In the world of Internet, you can easily figure out how to reach anyone if you try hard enough. But that fact alone does not give the relationship to reach out and seek help/advise/favors when needed to help you grow in your profession/studies/business.

Best way of building a network instead is to stop trying!

I advocate a different approach in building relationships, that is stop trying to build networks. Instead, try to "touch" people in ways that organically networks "spring" around you. Such a network will eventually be more valuable and long-lasting as you touch and positively impact the lives of others in positive manners through small things. Try to inspire others through your work, creativity, innovation. Begin to practice "Random Act of Kindness" where you help others for no apparent self benefit. If you believe strongly in something which others are not seeing yet, help raise their awraeness through your thoughts (Blogs are great vehicle of doing these in the online world!) If you are an entrepreneur, help others to succeed as well. Not just yourself. If you are a manager, help others learn the art of management. If you believe in "Non-violence" let others learn the art of non-violence..You get the idea!

As your sphere of influence rises, you will notice that you will be organically building a strong network. This network is not a self-serving one, instead it is built almost naturally and organically. You dont plan on shaping the network, the network instead shapes your destiny, your career, your convictions. And eventually, I believe that true success will be realized sooner or later.

Sincerity is critical:

As you touch people, their lives, their thoughts and their actions, it is important that you truly are sincere in your approach and beliefs. If you truly dont believe or mean what you say, chances are that your network will sooner or later get devalued. Your intent is key. If people around you see you as a genuine person who cares and who cares to make a difference in the lives of others, you will go places. If you are a software developer, see how you can make others good in software, if that is what you care about. If you want to become a product manager, start talking about how you genuinely are going about becoming a great product manager. Shakti Sharan (http://www.siliconindia.com/shakti) , who is a network member of SiliconIndia, came to me few months back, and he aspires to become an entrepreneur someday. He asked me, that I have never started a company, how can I even begin to contribute to entrepreneurship? My response to him was that if you are keen on entrepreneurship as a career path for yourself, there is no better time than today, to start sharing your thoughts and ideas and helping others while you are still incubating your ideas, plans, thoughts. I am sure some day he will be a good entrepreneur and a successful one. So, you dont have to wait, even as a freshy, you can start touching others through your actions, words, blogs and making a difference. As you do these with sincerity and consistency, a powerful organic network will spring around you, which will take you to professional success in ways that one cannot anticipate.

What I like about SiliconIndia network is that we are trying to build an online community to help make a difference to India Inc. If you are genuinely interested in India Inc. (BTW, if your passion lies somewhere else, than so be it!) the SI network could be a great tool to get started. But, regardless of the tool you use to start touching the lives of others in positive ways, you will succeed in the "Art and Science of Professional Networking".

Hope that this article has inspired some new ways to think about your professional and personal life. I would love to get some good inputs and comments from others on this subject??