"Networking doesn't work." I hear that quite a bit from people who've become frustrated with their networking results. After a number of conversations last week I think I'm beginning to understand one of the most common reasons for this statement. Expectations. Satisfaction is a function of expectation. If you expect to get the referral of a lifetime at the first networking event you ever attend you're probably going to be disappointed.

On the other hand, if you start networking with lower expectations other than to start meeting some great people, having a little fun and seeing some benefit in the future you're going to have a much more satisfying experience.

This is actually a difficult blog post to write as I'm not exactly sure where I should set your expectations so that you will be satisfied and excited about your networking results. To be brutally honest it's probably going to take longer than you think. Networking is not a short term strategy. Way too many people set out to start building relationships when they're in need. "That's not networking... That's needworking." I wish I knew who actually said this the first time so that I could attribute the quote as it's a great one.

For networking to really work you have to make it part of your lifestyle. It has to be something you're doing consistently over time if you're really looking for the big rewards. The best networking successes are going to be measured in years and possibly even decades. That's just the truth. I'm not saying that there won't be short-term wins, and that it's not possible to see overnight results. Sure that happens, but you can't expect that it will.

Is it worth the investment? That's really going to be up to you. Building successful mutually beneficial relationships takes time. Sure you'll make a financial investment as well in coffee, lunches, events, memberships, drinks, etc. but the real investment is your time. This is why it's so important to make sure you're getting to know people you really enjoy being around. Your efforts should be a whole heck of a lot of fun or you're just going to burn out before you see significant returns on your investment of time.

The goods news is that you're in control. You get to decide who you want to spend time with. What organizations you're a part of. Which events you attend. Ultimately you get to determine who your network really is. When you're actually enjoying what you do it unconsciously comes across to those around you. Others will see the enjoyment as confidence and success and be even more likely to want to get to know you and help you. Success tends to build on itself. The more successes you're having the more fun you'll have. Do you see where this is going?

Expect your networking results to come in the future. The big results may take years. Have fun and spend your time with people and activities you enjoy. Be consistent, find ways to help others get what they're looking for and you will be successful.

Happy Networking!