Based on their comments it sounds like it really comes down to events. They felt that they weren't networkers because they rarely attended any type of networking events. In the mean time they meet consistently with 2-5 people individually each week who are important to them or who they've been introduced or referred to.

 

The way I see it this is absolutely the best kind of networking. You can still be a great networker and never attend a networking event. In fact I would argue that if you attend lots of networking events, but never take the time to sit down with and get to know the people you meet at those events then you are not a networker. Instead you're just someone who attends networking events.

 

If I'm totally honest with you it's actually not productive for me to attend most networking events. Unless there are people at an event that are of a certain caliber, or I know I'll have an opportunity to get face time with an important group within my network they just create too much extra work. For example, if I go to a random lunch time event that in itself will take a couple hours out of my day when I account for travel and a little extra time before and after the event so I actually have time to make some real connections. Following that event if I'm doing a good job I'll need to meet individually with the 2-3 people I met at that event that I truly want to connect with. So add an other 1.5-2 hours for each individual by the time you add in travel time and the time I'll spend following-up on committments I made during those meetings. So done properly one event equals roughly 5-8 hours of my time if I'm networking effectively (In my experience, very few people network this effectively).

 

Let's compare this to the strategy of my supposed non-networker friends. Granted they've already built their own network over time and are focused on deepening those relationships. So they can just skip straight to the 2-3 one on one meetings that they already know will be productive because they've interected with these individuals before. They're not having to feel out whether or not there's a real personal connection there and/or if there are opportunities to help and support each other. If they're still interested in growing their network they can do so much more intentionally. Instead of random connections at an event they can ask the people they're meeting with for very specific introductions.

 

Don't get me wrong. I'm certainly not suggesting that you not attend networking events. I think they're an important part of your overall networking strategy. They also tend to be more important early on as your building your network because you need to meet a lot of people to filter through before you begin to find those that you have a true connection with. Of course regardless of where you are in your networking building process I think it's always prudent to focus on high quality events where the audience and format is a good fit for your needs. This will only increase your odds of success.

 

Over time the balance will tip and events will become less important as maintaining and growing the individual relationships you've built become the priority.

 

Advanced Networking Tip: Create a networking event consisting of your core network. If you've spent a lot of time connecting with quality individuals who've made a difference for you, connecting them with each other is a great way to add value for them. Plus it's super efficient. This way you get face time with many people who matter to you all at one time.

 

How does the balance of events and 1:1 networking fit into your overall networking strategy? You do have a strategy right?

 

Happy Networking!