Why networking works: the power of sharing connections in our age of uncertainty
Photo by Emiel Molenaar on Unsplash
Against the backdrop of the global pandemic – and all the stress, anxiety and shared trauma that’s come with it - I’ve been reflecting on the importance of networks in our personal and professional lives.
As a natural networker and ‘people person’, I’m always listening out for potential connections, drawing on a large network of trusted tradespeople in my survey and valuation work. When I worked as an estate agent, I was an active member of my local Business Network International (BNI) group for 3 years. I re-joined BNI as a surveyor around a year ago and now attend weekly networking meetings in my local area. BNI’s slogan is ‘growing forward together’’ and for me, this is exactly what networks are about: cultivating relationships that are mutually beneficial and life-enhancing for everyone involved – just like a healthy and inter-connected ecosystem in the natural world.
My networking group is not just a place to focus on attracting new clients or generating income: it also offers space to share the knowledge, skills and competencies we all need such as tax, accounting and business services. It’s a place to ask questions, gain access to industry-specific expertise and share the personal interests – our families, homes and hobbies – that enrich our lives.
If we choose to see networking only as a way to make money, we’re missing out on the wealth of friendship and support that’s potentially available. Because during times of struggle and uncertainty, our network can become an extended family of resources to lean into and draw upon.
My experience is that networking and helping others is rewarding and makes us feel good about ourselves: by sharing our knowledge, contacts or kindness, we foster a sense of community, forge long-term relationships and potentially turn our clients into friends. Investing time in others - getting to know the names of their partners and children, where they live, and their interests – moves our relationships beyond the transactional to the personal.
Through my BNI group, I’ve met interesting people from all walks of life: from event planners and florists to lawyers, travel agents and engineers. When my gardener recently left London, I was quickly able to find a reputable new one through a shared contact.
Networking can also offer significant financial rewards – although in my opinion, it works best when this isn’t the main motivation! In the last 12 months alone, I’ve had many one-to-one meetings, received numerous referrals for my homebuyer surveys and valuations, and have given many referrals to others members of my BNI group.
Here are some more ways networking groups could offer you support during this time:
They foster a sense of community that includes reaching out, listening to one another and having real relationships.
They help widen our online audience and community, since members tend to comment and share each other’s social media posts.
They create potential opportunities to meet ‘industry gatekeeper’ contacts who can connect us with a wide pool of people within our own sector or field of interest.
They enable businesses and organisations that are thriving to share insights into what’s working and why.
They create a sense of familiarity and routine, which can help us feel more grounded and secure during times of uncertainty and change.
I believe we need to harness our networks now more than ever, to support each other and share our successes and our struggles together. My networks have always been a major resource and source of inspiration, helping me to grow a professional reputation based on trust, authenticity and integrity – which is fundamental in the work I do, offering independent homebuyer surveys and valuations that help people decide if a property is suitable for them or not.
What does networking mean to you? Leave me a comment below, or click here if you’d like to schedule a free, no-commitment conversation with me about your survey or valuation needs.