How Can I Improve my Networking Abilities? EI (part 2)

As part of my series looking into how I can improve my Emotional Intelligence (EI), I stumbled upon an article online from Center Consulting. They talk about the 15 disciplines one must acquire to boost their EI. And point 3 was to Pursue Connection.

Pursue connection

Seek time with those above you and those below you in the organisational hierarchy. It’s most natural to spend time with peers. Break it up and initiate time with supervisors and subordinates as well as people in departments unrelated to yours.

How does this connect with emotional intelligence I asked myself. A part of what I researched in the earlier post is how listening can improve EI. When you listen to someone as opposed to wait until it' your time to talk, you're able to understand where they are coming from emotionally. And once you figure that out, then you can understand what is making them tick, how to create a better path of communication, how to establish both better working and personal relationships with people.

My takeaway

I've always tried to surround myself with more peers than subordinates. I'd prefer to be the dumbest guy in the room than the smartest guy in the room as there is more to learn in those situations.

But perhaps I'm being elitist, and making time for my subordinates is also crucial. Not only that, but spending time with people outside of my field can open up new horizons.

Getting Back into Ted Talks

Quick sidebar, I stopped listening to Ted Talks years ago as I was finding that there was so few topics that I could relate to. However, I'm going to take onboard the 'unrelated departments' part of that snippet. Surely managerial lessons can be transferable.

Improving my networking ability

Before I dip into some of the research here on how to improve networking abilities, let me give you 3 tips I have that I use in my everyday life.

1. As many photos as possible

I've found that having a good couple of stock photos to post on social media, will always serve as a reminder to that person that you enjoyed an experience together. Albeit an event, a casual coffee etc. Also when birthday's roll around you have someone to post featuring them that will further cement your relationship.

Having a good camera also helps, the better the photo the more likely they'll use it in their personal life and will think of you when they see it.

2. Write down names that are important to them 

This is a tip I use, when they speak about their children or pets, I make a little note on my phone. I actually have a memo called notes on my smart phone and will keep it updated with names so I can ask, 'how is Sadie?' or 'How did the exam go?' etc. It makes people feel special that you can remember the names of those that are most important.

3. Repeat names

When I get introduced to people for the first time, I often use their own name so I don't forget it. I will say, 'let me tell you Robert, the weather in London is terrible right now,' Etc. Just affirming their name makes it easier for you to remember and everyone likes to hear their own name.

Networking tips I've found online.

If you're looking for a job, you're more than likely to show your hand too early when talking to someone. How many times have you asked someone if they can give you a job, or put you in touch etc.

A good tip from GoodWill.Org, is - Don’t make the mistake of asking your targets for a job.  Once you do – and their answer is no – the conversation ends.  They know you’re looking.  If they know of something, they’ll likely tell you.

Keep it tight. Something I picked up from SuperScript is to rehearse your nutshell resume, or elevator pitch. Prepare your elevator pitch in advance, so you can describe your business and personal story concisely to anybody that you meet.

Believe it or not I've often steered clear of most networking opportunities because I'm naturally shy. But I've learned not to let this hold me back. And a tip I read on Harvard Business Review, If you are an introvert, you can’t simply will yourself to be extroverted, of course. But everyone can choose which motivational focus to bring to networking. Concentrate on the positives—how it’s going to help you boost the knowledge and skills that are needed in your job—and the activity will begin to seem much more worthwhile.