A Word of Caution
Just as moving up in your company can be significantly aided by networking practices, the potential for creating problems and possible enemies is equally significant. In the work place, networking can be used in a positive manner, but special attention must be paid to business ethics and personal morality. The temptation to overdo the use of networking to take advantage of your co-workers is always present, though not always intended. Fairness and objectivity are the watchwords.
Up The Ladder And Down The Ladder
If not a warning, perhaps at least a word of caution is appropriate in any discussion of work place networking. The most obvious directions to network are either sideways or upward. After all, what can those beneath you do to help your cause? Plenty! In fact, many of those beneath you can be your best sources and resources of help and information. As you move up in any organization you need the support of those that work both with and for you. Effective networking can help you immensely in gaining support from fellow workers.
How Networking At The Workplace Can Benefit
Sandy Bennett started out in business the hard way. When her husband became disabled without warning, she assumed responsibility for four children. She was widowed at age forty for the second time, and she started in the job market without a college degree. Her first job was an entry level position as a billing clerk. From there she moved up to operations manager of a $75 million corporation - in just seven years. What was her secret? She networked at her work place.
The important strength she brought to her first job was an involvement in, and dedication to, community service. She served as a board member or officer of a wide variety of community philanthropic and service organizations. From these varied experiences she forged her personal net working philosophy. What's the problem and how can I help? It is worth noting that she adopts the "how can I help" instead of the "how can you help me" approach.
Ten Suggestions For Work Place Networking
- Do the very best job possible in all of your endeavors. You have to be effective in your own job if you want others to follow and help.
- Maintain a caring attitude to both co-workers and superiors. Realize that everyone is working toward a common goal.
- Don't be afraid to befriend superiors. Once they recognize you're truly interested in helping them reach a common goal, an atmosphere of trust will develop.
- Look at the overall picture. Learn as much as you can about the company and how each area functions. This is accomplished by networking with other employees in other departments. Find out about their duties, their goals, their frustrations and problems as well as their hopes and dreams.
- Once you know the company and the people, match people and their expertise to solve problems through networking.
- Identify individual skills and talents in other people. Use a networking catalog system to keep track of this knowledge. You'll become a resource person-a problem solver.
- Follow up and follow through! Once you have initiated a solution to a problem, check back with the people involved and see how things turned out and how else you might be of help.
- Find out your" organization's most pressing problems. Analyze possible solutions. Create specific plans to address the problems. Two of Sandy's promotions came when she discovered problems in her company and proposed new concepts to address them.
- Network with everyone, no matter what their position. This can also be called being a friend - but it's not necessary to develop a close friendship. It's simply a matter of being friendly and being willing to help.
- Saying hello, smiling and just being concerned about your fellow workers takes only a few seconds and can make a big difference in their day (and yours). The higher you climb in an organization the more valuable this skill becomes.
- Participate in company sponsored events. Picnics, sports and social events, charitable drives, educational seminars, field trips and company sponsored clubs are all ways to network. If your company doesn't offer any of these activities, seek permission to start one. Nobody said you can't be an assertive networker.
- 12) It can only be to your benefit to cultivate a work place net work. And remember, what you bring to your network will certainly affect the benefits you derive from it.
