If only you’d known…. (you'd have optimized your networking capabilities)

by Francois Ruchon - Founder & CEO of WSM Eikon

Everyone should enhance their networking capabilities proactively,

rather than waiting until the need arises.

The phrase "If only I had known" is a frequent self-critique. This lament often stems from neglecting fundamental, common-sense approaches that could have averted their current predicaments. This holds true for matters such as insurance decisions, where individuals remark, "If only I had known, I would have invested in that $10 extra premium." It extends to daily fitness routines, with many regretfully acknowledging, "Had I known better, that may have prevented my heart attack." Likewise, it applies to the realm of effective networking, where individuals reflect with hindsight, "If only I had been aware, I could have optimized my networking capabilities before the need arose."

Many attribute it to human nature, but history has consistently favored those who possess foresight. When it comes to networking, there are even fewer justifications for not engaging, as it can be beneficial at various junctures in an adult's life. The journey begins quite early, often during one's senior year at university, when the quest for an internship, a known gateway to securing a first job, becomes a priority. How many of you can attest to securing your inaugural job through a valuable recommendation? I certainly can.

This is the moment to embark on establishing your initial substantial network and to maximize its networking potential right from the outset. Commence by connecting with your parents and their close associates, then expand the reach to include your own friends, the parents of your friends, and their professional connections. You'd be astonished by the multitude of opportunities that can unfold through this web of connections. Being in a position with multiple choices for your first job is advantageous, as it's well-understood that the starting point of a career can greatly influence its eventual success.

Subsequently, as you navigate the stage of transitioning from one job to another, it remains very advantageous to rely on recommendations. The people you meet at your first jobs can become important contacts throughout your career. If you neglect to cultivate your networking skills at this juncture, you'll find yourself amassing contacts without purpose or direction. There's no merit in possessing the most extensive contact list if it's nothing more than a collection of business cards. The key is to stay focused, use technology to help you, employ precision, and maintain organization. Simply building a network is about accumulating connections, while developing actionable networking capability entails mapping your network while emphasizing the strength of your relationships. That’s what you should aim at.

During your 30s and 40s, excelling in your profession becomes paramount. Having optimized networking capabilities at that point is a game changer. Whether your goal is to attract clients, be you a consultant or a sales representative, connect with industry experts, or secure a position with a reputable company in your field, effective networking is not a matter of spontaneity. It requires a purposeful approach throughout your career, ensuring the development of a finely tailored and optimized network that caters to your specific needs.

Later on, for the majority of individuals, their careers may transition into a slightly less glamorous phase. Demand for your skills might decrease, and once again, the value of maintaining a well-optimized network, and the ability to leverage it, cannot be overstated. This remains an invaluable asset that should not be disregarded, especially if you aspire to conclude your professional journey under the best possible circumstances.

To conclude, optimizing your networking capabilities is a task that should be initiated at the earliest stages of your career. It’s never too late but the sooner you commence this process, the more significant the results you can expect throughout your life. You should stop accumulating any type of contacts as you randomly meet them, as it becomes increasingly challenging to prune the superfluous, ineffective contacts that might clutter your network when you require it to be in peak condition for your specific needs.

Moreover, you don't want to miss out or lag behind. It's preferable to be the first person recommended to a particular individual, especially in a competitive scenario, like competing for a budget or responding to a job offer. To achieve that, there's only one course of action: enhance your networking capabilities. Start now.

WSM Eikon is an AI-powered application that optimizes networks of contacts, for personal and professional growth.

Check out our LinkedIn page: WSM Eikon on Linkedin

Visit our website: www.wsmeikon.com

• As an individual, should you want to try out the Eikon application for free: Eikon - Contact

• If you’re a CEO, a CRO, or a Head of Sales, and you want to leverage your untapped company’s Relational Capital, please check out the Enterprise version of Eikon: Eikon Enterprise and request a demo.