The Domino Effect: 7 Tips for More Effective Networking

I have yet to meet someone who enjoys networking.

Alright, alright, I should rephrase: I’ve not met many women who actively enjoy playing the networking game. Yet with the right approach, networking can be much like dominoes — some careful set-up and patience are required, but one tiny-yet-focused flick of the finger can cause an enormously successful effect.

Despite many protests I hear in coaching sessions, networking is necessary to make strides in your career. I just heard from a woman this past weekend: “I spent two hours applying to jobs I saw online. Why doesn’t this work?” Well, at least 70% of jobs are not advertised, and up to 80% of jobs are filled through personal connections. That leaves a very narrow window to find a role, which is particularly tough for those who prefer to hide behind the keyboard. But practice makes perfect, and you can learn how to make moves that matter. Let’s line up those dominoes and get ready to play.

7 ways to create that domino effect

(Ranging from EASY — can do it at home — to OMG, I have to actually leave my house…)

1. Empty Your KFC Bucket 

First, do a diagnosis of who is in your network by applying what I call the KFC Model. Go through your contacts and divide them into three categories:

-Knowledge: Those who have knowledge that you would find useful (e.g. I need to speak to someone who knows about book publishing — Jane Doe is the go-to for that!)

-Fans: Your loyal fans, those whom you can always count on and who may have friends in fine places

-Connectors: The contacts who might not be experts in your area of work, but have a ready-made rolodex of people they could connect you to directly

From this list, who would be most valuable to contact at this moment? Start with one and watch more fall into place.

2. Read and Respond 

Comment on a blog or respond thoughtfully to someone’s post on LinkedIn. This might seem like low-hanging fruit, but not only do notifications get set off, you may also find and connect with other people who are following along. This widens your circle for more people you can then reach out to directly.

3. Buy a Book or Blast a Podcast 

Depending on whether you enjoy a good listen or prefer a hard copy, Never Eat Alone by Keith Ferrazzi is a classic and easy read. One of his many gems: “Relationships aren’t like cake; they’re like muscles.” A great reminder to work on your relations continuously, which means being in touch with people before you need them for a favour. 

4. Ask and Be Ready to Receive

I know — not everyone is an overzealous optimist. I have one client who says she can’t stand non-focused chatter. However, when networking at an event, it’s helpful to use positively-skewed questions. Here are two ready-made questions: What brings you to this event? What do you enjoy most about your work? Setting the other party up for success will make the conversation all the more enjoyable for both of you, and will also start building trust by activating the positive attractors in your brain (the feel-good vibe!).

5. Be a SMARTY pants 

Approach an event using SMARTY. Come in with a goal that is specific, measurable, action-oriented, results-focused, and time-bound. (The Y is for YAY, I did it!) Remember: informal networking is low risk. You have the choice to never see these people again…OR, you can surprise yourself by meeting new people who might introduce you to other new people. Before you know it, you’ve knocked down another domino.

6. Don’t Mention the Word

Don’t outright ask for a job! Rather, ask for guidance or tips, or for the person to share their experience. Please focus on getting to know them and letting them know a little about you, and how you might also help them in return. Successful networking is a two-way street.

7. Close the Loop

As I wrote in a recent blog on networking with success: if you’re set up with a new lead from one of your connections, it is imperative to follow up with the person who connected you and demonstrate gratitude. Following up shows respect, lets the person know which leads are working, and also makes you look professional. (And most of all — polite!)

Networking skills are more vital than ever — as people are returning to work in person or looking for new roles, we have the opportunity to connect in 3D again. Keep in mind that in the end, everyone just wants to belong: a fundamental need that we have to survive and thrive. So put yourself out there and keep laying that domino track!

Ready to build your network this fall? Join a dynamic community of international women and boost your career.

with joy,

Dr. Helen