TH!NKsulting!

I am interested in networking but I don't have time. Any ideas?

An "Aspiring Networker" asks:

I am interested in networking but I don't have the time to connect to many people so that is limiting my ability to network better. What ideas do you have?

My take:

Networking is one of the most misused words that's out there. It is good to know that you are interested in "networking." I understand that you don't have the time to build the network and that is bothering you. In this article, we will talk about both networking and time required to "network."

First, let us talk about time as it relates to networking. Look around some of the best "networkers" out there. All of them have the same 24 hours as you do. So it is really not the "time" - you can't have more time than anybody is else out there. 24 hours is what we have got. Good thing is they can't have more time than you have too. Time is a great equalizer.

So, if you can't "manage" time, then what can you do?

The only other possibility is "managing yourself" in the time that you have. That leads to the question on capacity.

Time is rarely the problem if you have enough "capacity to contribute meaningfully" in the time available for you. So, rather than focusing on the "lack of time" problem, start focusing on the "lack of capacity" problem - you have more control on it.

As you make a series of investments on yourself, your capacity to contribute meaningfully goes up. The higher your capacity, more you contribute and automatically your ability to spend time on "networking" goes up.

Having said that, let us look at the concept of "networking."

As I said earlier, networking is one of the most misunderstood concept out there. A vast majority of people out there think that attending events and collecting cards is "networking." That, I would say is the lowest form of networking. (Please read: What is NOT your Networking Score?")

If you want long-term success, what you need to focus on is building long-term relationships. Long term relationships are just that - they take a long time to build. The best analogy I have is that of planting a tree. You have to nurture it for years before it bears fruits. Imagine yourself maintaining a garden or grove where you are planting all kinds of trees. You will water them, feed them and ensure that there is adequate sunlight. You take care of eliminating the weeds if they crop up.

Then, only then - after a LONG time you can see some trees bearing fruits.

The rule is simple - keep giving meaningfully at every opportunity and build obligations. Notice that if you don't have adequate "capacity to contribute meaningfully," it will take you LONGER to make meaningful contributions. So, as you are focusing on building long-term relationships, invest equally or more in yourself to build that "capacity to contribute."

Here are two resources to consider, one on managing time (or managing yourself) and the other one on building long term relationships

1. ChangeThis: Making the Most of Your Time

2. Rajesh Setty: Lasting Relationships

A few related articles:

1. Life Beyond Code: Ways to Distinguish Yourself #34: Focus on the ROII

2. Life Beyond Code: Ways to Distinguish Yourself #112: Drop "one time use" policy

3. Life Beyond Code: 9 Ideas about "How NOT to overwork your Network"

And lastly, here is the A.D.D. special:

4. Life Beyond Code: Twitter Digest - Networking 101

Three books to consider (no affiliate links)

1. Love is the killer app by Tim Sanders

2. Never Eat Alone by Keith Ferrazzi