HBR Guide to Networking

Lesson 1- Why do we need Networking?

Networks are a significant part of one's work-life. Networks help reach goals, get promotions and even progress beyond one's abilities, and find a job. We often blame our luck or feel the need to avoid artificial relationships. But the truth is that we often detest putting efforts into building relationships that may come in handy someday. 

Networking is a skill and requires practice. You need to learn the best techniques to make your networks meaningful and useful. There is a myth surrounding relationships that quantity matters. But as with most things, the quality of the network matters more than its sheer size. The variety of people in the network also plays a major role in its success. You will find that people in these relationships share information and resources and appear trustworthy at the initial stages of network development. So how do we identify ties that matter the most?

Go beyond hierarchical boundaries. People in the higher levels are much more proficient in making better decisions, accessing resources, and finding out the current happenings at the top levels of the corporate world. Peers can have a significant impact when it comes to brainstorming and even getting information about opportunities in other departments and companies. You can also use your network to learn and advance in your field. By engaging with people at different levels, you will be able to gain support that will boost your productivity and engagement. 

You need to invest a lot of energy and enthusiasm in building and creating such ties. You do not need to be an extrovert to interact with others. Even introverted people can create meaningful networks. 

• Engage with your contacts on a regular basis.
• Be the person who will follow through with commitments. It makes you more reliable and trustworthy.
• Make sure you offer constructive suggestions and keep a positive attitude. 
• Seek the input of others. It creates a meaningful platform for them to express their views on a project.
• If disputes arise, focus on the issue that is causing the disagreements and not the individual.

Lesson 2- What are these Networks?

A basic feature of organizations is that they are essentially political in character, marked by a high degree of influence. Networking is all about creating a web of relations, marked by interdependence. The purpose is to exchange information, resources and utilize avenues of support. Networks deliver three unique advantages: private information, access to diverse skill sets, and power. Executives see these advantages