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Quite possibly the title of this post would have caught your attention. We all know about networking. We do it all the time, whether with the clients that we meet and contacts that we make at seminars/workshops/cocktail parties.
Even when we strike up a conversation at the pet shop with a stranger and find mutual interests that lead to an exchange of phone numbers or Facebook/LinkedIn connection requests.
One aim of networking is to identify and connect with people who can help us to further our goals and ambitions or even assist us when required.
The big question in our minds is very often, “how can this person help us” or even a unilateral, “what can I get out of this person”.
The agenda of the latter is clearly one-sided.
Personally, I prefer to think the other way around. I ask myself, ‘what can I do for this person” or “how can I contribute and add value to my network”.
In other words, I think of netweaving. It’s more gratifying.
Think about the times that you have been down or in trouble and a friend or acquaintance have stepped in and bailed you out or helped find a solution to your problem. Think a bit about how you have felt to receive timely help and have waited to return the favor or pay it forward.
What the other person has done has netweaved. They have established credibility and standing in your eyes. You perceive they are resourceful. Good ingredients for creating social and professional standing among one’s peers.
In addition, net weaving helps to build the foundation for a longer-term association. This doesn’t mean that you cannot do networking. I suggest you do both.
Networking and netweaving both require seeking opportunities to work together. The difference lies in the context of the connection and the balance being sought.
My most successful friends and colleagues who have survived recessions, redundancies and bad patches have been net weavers. Their credibility and credentials being established as impeccable. People take their calls even when they have nothing tangible to offer or are in the wilderness. No wonder they bounce back magnificently!
How effective Netweavers create value for their network
Next time you have a networking opportunity, try connecting with others based on what you think you or your network can do for them.
Think along the lines of how the person can be beneficial to others in your network and create an introduction at an appropriate time. Consider areas where you and your new contact can collaborate to create a win-win situation all around.
Tip: Consider how you can create an all-round win-win over lunch or a meal like I did in my post Networkers who Lunch.
There is nothing worse than having a card book, or a social profile full of names without substance.
Think about your most recent networking interactions, whether in business, work, personal life or social media.
Would you say you were networking or netweaving?
Is there any area where you can add value to your network? Do share your views in the comments box below, I’d love to read them.
PS. Do you use LinkedIn for expanding your network? Want to try out your new skill of netweaving? It all begins with knowing what you shouldn’t do. Click here to download my short guide 5 Mistakes Professionals Make on LinkedIn or on the image below and become the contact everyone wants in their circle!
This post originally titled ‘Do You Network or Netweave?’ was written in March 2012 and has been updated for relevance and new content.
Written By: Vatsala Shukla
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Netweaving is a beautiful term and how I look at this connection but never put a work to it and it feels so much better than the word networking to me. This is what I do with my Aligned and Inspired Mondays where I feature someone who has truly inspired me on my journey. I love to feature others and the work they are doing to help! Sending love Vatsala – Thanks for this!
Featuring people who have inspired you on your Life Journey in the Aligned and Inspired Mondays feature is the ultimate gratitude you can give them, Jenny, while helping to share their gifts with a wider audience. That is netweaving!
Wonderful concept! I used to dread networking events. I remember watching the ‘old school’ pros walking around with big fake smiles on their faces, stack of business cards in hand. A quick handshake, introduction then you could see their eyes already scanning the room for the next target. I like your approach much better!
Thank you Marquita. Those glaze-eyed types are still around and I wonder what they do with the cards they collect. 🙂 They seem to have forgotten KLT -that people do business with those whom they know, like and trust. Netweaving helps to create KLT on both sides.
Netweaving – a new word for me – sounds likes a much, much better way to connect and help each other out. As you wisely pointed out, networking can become very self-centered. So much better to think in a positive manner as you suggested – how can we work together for our mutual benefit instead of what can this person do for me-me-me. Great and much needed article!
Thank you Julie. Netweaving builds stronger relationships. Another benefit is activating the Law of Reciprocity at the right time.
What an inspired use of a brand new term: netweaving. May this concept, so in tune with the Divine Feminine way, reach far and wide. Great post!
Thank you Reba!
Love netweaving- I really get what you are saying about substance of the networking contacts. Food for thought. On Wednesday i am going netweaving. xx
You’ll discover how nourishing netweaving is for your career/business and soul, Suzie. Enjoy Wednesday’s Netweave!
What a great term and sentiment, Vatsala! Funny too–I did this very thing yesterday! And what a wonderful experience it was for both of us.
I love it when my sentiments and views on effective networking or rather netweaving get true validation, Susan. Thank you for sharing your recent experience with us.
I really, really love this concept Vatsala, thank you for sharing such valuable insight.
My pleasure, Julia! Netweaving is good for professional and business success as well as for the Soul. 🙂
I love that – “what you think you or your network can do for them”… Great concept! Thanks for sharing!
Thanks Cher. When we think in terms of Giving then we automatically set the stage for Receiving because we become viable and strong contacts with real connections.
I like the idea of netweaving! I will keep this in mind at my networking event that I’m hosting tomorrow.
It is a good idea, isn’t it Tiffany. Netweaving also helps to make us a valuable contact and that always helps in the long run. All the best with your networking event!
This is the first I’ve heard of netweaving. It’s good to have a handle for considering what I can do for others. Weaving with its joining of colors and textures is a good word choice for the blend is more than the individual strands.