3 Ways to Master Networking

Networking is a skill—one that nearly anybody can master.

A recent study conducted by Willy Das, a research scientist, and Samantha Dewalt, managing director, both from Lehigh@NasdaqCenter.

At least that’s what a new study finds. Willy Das, a research scientist, and Samantha Dewalt, managing director, both from Lehigh@NasdaqCenter, surveyed 450 professionals from various occupations to identify the make-or-break factors for developing networking skills. Das and Dewalt found that regardless of age, gender, career stage, or level of extroversion or introversion, networking skills can be developed by anyone to accelerate their career.

BUILD COGNITIVE FLEXIBILITY

One factor critical to networking successfully is what Das and Dewalt call ‘cognitive flexibility, ’the ability to adapt your thinking swiftly in response to changing situations.

“That’s because the more cognitively flexible you are, the more you will seek new information and are open to contrasting viewpoints, which makes it easier to maintain existing relationships and form new connections,” Das and Dewalt say.

You don’t have to train ferociously in order to develop strong cognitive flexibility. In fact, just incorporating simple changes to your daily routine can enhance cognitive flexibility and train your brain to adjust.

“Activities like playing video games, particularly those requiring rapid decision-making and multitasking, can train your brain to optimize its process for cognitive flexibility,” Das and Dewalt say. “Maintaining a healthy lifestyle and practicing meditation can also improve your capacity to switch between tasks and respond flexibly.”

MINIMIZE YOUR FEAR OF REJECTION  

When it comes to competing, people generally fall into two categories: ‘promotion focus’ or ‘prevention focus.’ Those with a promotion focus aim for positive outcomes, and those with a prevention focus aim to avoid errors and negative results due to a fear of rejection. The study found that those with a promotion focus are 17% more likely to network successfully. Fortunately, even those with a prevention focus can take steps to build a more promotion mentality.

“Start by participating in social events, both in person and online,” Das and Dewalt say. “Set networking goals, remind yourself of your achievements, and never take rejection personally — realize that when a networking attempt doesn’t work out with somebody, it may just be a mismatch of needs. Monitor your progress as your network expands. How many connections you make will serve as positive reinforcement that spurs you to keep going.”

BELIEVE IN YOURSELF

Your confidence in your networking abilities, or what Das and Dewalt call ‘networking self-efficacy,’ may matter more than your actual hard skills for making connections. In other words, if you believe you can network, it’s more likely that you can. The study found that self-efficacy can boost networking propensity by up to 25%.

“To develop it, be aware of your emotions before networking events to minimize stress and anxiety,” Das and Dewalt say. “Replace negative thoughts with positive self-talk, such as ‘I can do this,’ ‘It’s okay to be nervous,’ and ‘I have prepared and I’m ready.’ Model yourself after peers with personalities similar to yours who are successful networkers. Finally, solicit some encouraging feedback from individuals who are good networkers to reinforce your belief in yourself. Ask, for example, ‘How am I doing?’ or ‘What did I do well?’”

Sources: Harvard Business Review, Social Science Research Network