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Relationships expand opportunities. Show appreciation to grow your relationship capital.
Networking builds relationships, which builds opportunities. Sounds simple enough… then why do so many of us have a deficit in this skill? Not everyone struggles with it equally, but everyone’s Money Energy potential is impacted by it. That’s because OPPORTUNITIES are the exponential element in the Money Energy Formula.
Common Reasons Why People May Feel They are Bad at Networking
Lack of Confidence
- Many people struggle with self-confidence when it comes to networking.
- They may feel unsure of themselves, fear rejection, or worry about not making a good impression.
- This lack of confidence can make it difficult to initiate conversations and build meaningful connections.
Limited Social Skills
- Effective networking often requires strong social skills, such as active listening, communication, and empathy.
- Some individuals may have limited experience or natural abilities in these areas, which can hinder their networking efforts.
Fear of Networking Events and Personal Encounters
- Networking events, such as conferences or industry gatherings, can be intimidating for many people.
- Large crowds, unfamiliar faces, and the pressure to make connections can create anxiety and make it challenging to engage with others effectively.
Lack of Practice and Experience
- Networking is a skill that improves with practice.
- If someone hasn't had many opportunities to network or hasn't actively worked on developing their networking skills, they may struggle initially.
- Like any skill, it takes time and effort to become proficient.
Limited Access to Relevant Resources and Opportunities
- Building a strong network often relies on having access to relevant opportunities and connections.
- If someone lacks access to such resources, such as industry events, mentors, or professional communities, it can be harder for them to network effectively.
Misunderstanding the Purpose of Networking
- Some individuals may view networking as purely self-serving or transactional, which can hinder their ability to build authentic relationships.
- Networking is about establishing mutually beneficial connections, offering support, and building a professional community.
Overemphasis on Immediate Outcomes
- Effective networking is a long-term investment that may not yield immediate results.
- People who focus solely on immediate gains or expect instant job offers or promotions from networking efforts may become discouraged if they don't see immediate rewards.
Grow your relationship capital.
Each of the reasons mentioned can create stress which can be exacerbated by not knowing one’s personal identity, and it may result in increased behavioral risks to your ability generate wealth, happiness, and health. To overcome this potential roadblock is to grow your relationship capital. This type of capital can be an important asset in various aspects of your life, including personal relationships, networking, and development. It’s also associated with your human capital, which drives what we have labeled at DNA Behavior as your Money Relationship Integration.
Let’s start first by defining relationship capital. It refers to the value and benefits that are derived from the relationships and connections a person or organization has. It represents the collective strength, trust, and influence built through meaningful interactions and connections with others over time. It encompasses qualities such as trust, reputation, reciprocity, and the ability to access resources, opportunities, and support through the network of relationships. Building and nurturing strong relationship capital can lead to increased collaboration, knowledge sharing, career opportunities, and overall success in both personal and professional domains.
Know yourself first before wanting to know more about others.
What is your identity? What are your values, and if you were to paint a picture of your life, what images would be in it? Let’s look at the first networking experience of David Lee.
David is 24 years old and newly appointed assistant to the Chief Revenue Officer of a major charity. David's primary role with the charity will be overseeing major fundraising events and connecting with significant benefactors. He will not be expected to directly be part of fundraising but does need to know how and where the funds are raised, and to be a brand ambassador for the charity. One of his first challenges is to find and join as many influential networking organizations as possible.
David has all the proper credentials and talents for his role and completed his DNA Behavior Discovery as part of the recruitment process. He’s a Facilitator, which means he can be reflective and quiet, although quite relational in a one-on-one situation. That’s not exactly the formula for someone who needs to be outgoing and connecting with a lot of people during a business event.
Fortunately, as part of his career development, he was given access to DNA Behavior resources that allowed him an opportunity to learn more about his behavioral style and what other behavioral styles complement his own. When he attended a recent event with a diverse group of high-net-worth individuals, he gravitated and connected with more people who complemented his own personality. The positive inferences he generated through his conversations helped generate more Money Energy to flow into his organization.
The feeling of becoming overwhelmed could have been a barrier for David, but rather than experiencing emotions associated with intimidation and a hesitation to engage with others, he continues to grow his relationship capital.