How to Increase your Network

By Glory Edozien

When it comes to women, I feel we place a narrow definition on the term relationships. We often feel the only relationships to be maximised are those between the opposite sex, family or close knit group of friends. While these relationships are important and also form part of your network, there are many other forms of relationships that women can and should enjoy.

As much as I am an advocate for openness, I’ll freely admit I have not been active in developing a strong and varied network and that has in many ways affected the quantity of life available for me to enjoy. Recently I have made a conscious effort to extend my network and the benefits are slowly trickling in.

Why Should I Network

I guess the first thing we should understand is why networking is important. Network is really a great way to make friends with common interests. I have honestly found that since I started deliberately seeking new networks I have made a wonderful new set of friendships. I have also found prospective business partnerships, expanded my thinking on various subjects, been acquainted with new interesting opportunities and learnt new things. Increasing your network can help you think out of the box, expose you to mentors and enablers and help you to gain new perspectives.

Here are some of the things I have been doing to expand my network

Adopt a looser definition for the term network

Immediately someone uses the term networks- we either think work colleagues, or partnerships that are made with the sole purpose of attaining favour. That’s the first mistake. Networks are a group of people who share similar interests and/or are formed to provide mutual assistance. Everyone has diverse range of interests sports, dancing, exercise, reading, cooking, etc. Exploring your different interests allows you to meet and potentially form mutually beneficial relationships with different kinds of people.

Admit to yourself that you need to expand your network

This might sound strange. But as soon as I admitted to myself that my current network was somewhat poor, I started to find new networks that I didn’t know existed. I started meeting different people who I shared common interests with who immediately invited me to join their networks….and the snowball just kept rolling

Be strategic NOT opportunistic

Depending on your time and level of input required, you can’t join each and every networking opportunity. Being part of a network takes time and effort and you must be willing to participate in the groups plans and activities. My advice is to determine early on which network is important for the phase of life you are in. For instance, as a new mother you may find that a network for new mothers or play date club would be useful, however the meeting dates clash with another group with someone who may know Tony Elumelu. My advise would be to stay committed to the network which enhances your overall objectives and goals without compromising on your values.

Offer value

A lot of people think that networking is about meeting influential people. While the opportunity to hobnob may arise, that isn’t the sole purpose of joining a network or group. You must bring something to the table. Networks, as I earlier said are about mutual benefits. No one likes to be mooched off on. My advise will be to always ask yourself what value you can bring to a group before committing. Remember people can smell an opportunist from afar off!

Stay connected

This is something I have learnt recently and I am steadily imbibing. Networking isn’t about calling only when you need a favour. It’s about remaining connected. These days, there are so many ways to stay connected. Social media has made connectivity real with the swipe of a finger. Even if its just sending a ‘hey long time, what are you up to these days’ email to an old college friend or work colleague. It would surprise you how happy people feel to be contacted just because you genuinely wanted to know how they are! Plus it makes it easier when the time for a favour comes around. It also goes without saying that you should make a habit of responding to people when they contact you. No one likes to be ignored.

Remain authentic

As people network with different individuals there is the temptation to want to alter either your appearance or personality. My advice, no networking opportunity is worth becoming a fake. It’s off course different, if certain networks make you want to become better and stretch you in a positive way. Also try to establish boundaries so people know the kind of person you are from the onset. Never feel pressured to compromise just to fit in.

Have you been on a quest to improve your networks, partnerships and friendships? Have you tried some of the tips mentioned above? Or some of yours, please feel free to share in the comments section or send me an email on glory@inspiredbyglory.com