7 Networking Lessons From 50 Editions

Read time: 3 minutes & 46 seconds

A year ago, I committed to writing a weekly networking newsletter.

As I hit 50 editions, I reflect and realise there are lessons and principles that can be applied to networking.

Ones you can implement today.

Like networking, I’ve learned there is a science and art to composing a newsletter.

From the copywriting, formatting, style, timing, length, who it’s for, etc.

Unfortunately, many networkers don’t realise there are many elements that make up networking that you can better yourself at.

Which is what I hope to help with via The Networker.

From my year of writing this, here are 7 lessons you can apply to your networking.

I hope you can find just one.

Others DO want to help

When I shared a goal of reaching 1000 subscribers, I had the most referrals in a week.

Why? Subscribers knew how to help.

As a bonus, it was a quick and free way to do so. There was low friction.

When networking, help others help you by sharing:

• Specific industries you’re looking to meet
• Help you need to overcome a challenge
• Support you need to progress something you’re working on
• You’re unsure how to approach a particular problem

The smaller and lower friction ask you have will make it easier for them to help.

But shoot your shot however big or small. Closed mouths don’t get fed.

You have to subscribe to the belief when networking that people do want to help.

You’ve just got to let them know how to give them a chance.

Build and share in public

Articulating what you are working on or where you’re looking to get to is a hack.

Firstly, others understand you, can empathise with you and help you on your journey.

But it also adds a layer of accountability.

Much as I have done since starting The Networker.

Be it sharing the number of subscribers or admitting to editions that didn’t land as I’d hoped.

Or publicly stating I am sending the newsletter at 8am every Wednesday.

Sharing this has made me more committed.

You can do the same with your networking.

Find an accountability networker, post about attending an event before you go, share the networking habits you’re looking to build.

Watch your commitment and dedication improve.

Persistency requires permission

Have there been days I’ve not wanted to write? For sure.

Has writing an edition added to a busy week schedule at times? Absolutely.

You’ll likely feel that way about networking too.

A busy schedule. Not feeling up to it on certain days.

That’s fine, it’s natural. Life will inevitably interrupt you at some point.

Give yourself some grace.

‘Never miss twice’ is a rule (coined by James Clear) I live by with The Networker (and many other areas in life).

Give yourself permission to miss once. But don’t miss twice in a row.

Consistency Compounds

The impact of consistency has been realised in two ways.

Firstly, new subscribers have grown as I’ve consistently published. As well as my familiarity with existing subscribers too.

In networking, your network will grow as you consistently show up, meeting new connections and deepening existing ones.

Secondly, the consistent publishing has lead to more ideas, due to responses from readers that fuel ideas for future editions.

In networking, don’t underestimate the learning you can draw from those you meet.

The richer and more diverse you build your network, the more experiences and perspectives you’ll gather to inspire your thinking.

One of these could be the spark to ignite an exciting opportunity.

People need to be reminded, not taught once

I’ve made the point of how important consistency is to networking dozens of times across the editions.

Why? Because I believe it’s important networkers understand.

But I can’t expect to say it once and everyone acknowledges and understands it.

The same with the person you met at that event 6 months ago.

You can’t expect to meet someone once and think they’ll either remember you forever, or you’ll be front of mind when what you do comes up.

Spoiler: you’re not as memorable as you think.

The likelihood is, they’ve probably met 10 other people that do the same as you since.

Some of those more than once.

Who do you think would be most likely to become the person people think of?

You need to remind them you still exist. Remind them of the people you help. The problem you solve.

What’s the one thing you want to be known for?

Networking isn’t all about how many new people you can meet.

Meeting those you already have is as, if not more, important.

To get better, it requires reps

I look back on the first few editions and cringe.

With networking, you won’t be an expert networker right away. Or feel like you’ve nailed it yet.

Don’t expect to. Those unrealistic expectations will lead you to quickly losing motivation.

It takes reps.

Plus, taking the time to reflect and see what’s working and what’s not.

If you’re not looking back and cringing at how you were networking, you’re not learning and developing.

Whether it’s asking better questions, or improving the skill to join a conversation, or crafting your perfect introduction.

They are skills that will feel awkward when trying to improve. You might fail miserably at first.

But the reps are what’ll make you better. Keep putting them in.

I wish I told my younger self this when I started networking!

Don’t expect results right away

A LOT of people would’ve given up before long before 50 editions.

Why?

Expectations.

I don’t expect any new business from writing each edition (hell, I’ve earned £0 from this).

I expect to learn from readers, improve my writing, and ultimately add value with networking insights to genuinely help readers.

But by managing my expectations, my enjoyment and fulfilment is reflected in that.

Has that led to:

• Invites to speak on podcasts?
• Enquiries to speak at exhibitions?
• 1-1 training enquiries?
• The ideation of The Networkers Playbook?

Yes.

If you network expecting lots of new business right away, your approach will mirror that.

If you go to help, learn from and genuinely get to know other people, the possibilities are infinity.

The new business and opportunities will come, but perhaps not as directly as you’d expect.

As long as you’re putting in the reps and working on getting better.

Low expectations. High enjoyment.

The Wrap Up

To finish, the biggest learning writing The Networker (or perhaps you, the readers) has taught me is this:

Networking is a skill you can hone.

That many are out there winging it.

Starting out networking, or going years networking, without a how-to guide or manual.

Often thrown into the deep end and drowning.

Not knowing what to do.

But I’m here to say, you can improve on your networking.

Small changes could make drastic impact, it’s about getting a better understanding of it.

That’s why The Networker exists. That’s why I’m bringing The Networkers Playbook to market in Q1.

And that’s what I hope future editions of The Networker will help you with.

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