A New Definition of Networking It's time for a fresh look at the way we form and develop business relationships.
By Ivan Misner
Opinions expressed by Entrepreneur contributors are their own.
Twenty years ago, I wrote a book called The World's Best Known Marketing Secret. In it, I discussed several terms new to the business community, specifically about how they could help grow a business.
One term that seemed to have multiple meanings concerning business growth was "networking." For some, networking was about compiling a huge database of names, usually by collecting business cards. Others saw networking as the opportunity to get in front of people and personally prospect for business. Still others perceived networking as nothing more than schmoozing and boozing, with no specific intention except to be seen and socialize.
So in an attempt to streamline the myriad of perceptions about the concept of networking, and based on my experiences in a variety of business and interpersonal situations, I concluded that networking was, in effect:
"The process of developing and using your contacts to increase your business, enhance your knowledge, expand your sphere of influence or serve your community."
Related: Can't Spare the Time to Network? Can You Afford Not To?
This definition stood the test of time for many years, until. . . it didn't.
Since then, I co-founded an organization called The Referral Institute with two partners, Mike Macedonio and Dawn Lyons. Based on our collective experiences in helping people across the U.S. and around the world build a system for getting referrals, we realized that the definition of networking needed to evolve. The new, updated meaning would reflect the changing times and business climate.
There were definitely some truths in the original definition that needed to be retained, but a few just no longer felt right.
One we wanted to address was "using." Today, this sounds rather harsh, even cold. People today tend to find a negative resonance in the concept of "using" someone for personal or professional gain. The other word we scrutinized was "contacts." The term has become synonymous with one's database. And a database is, by design, impersonal, practical and, again, rather cold.
After many discussions about modifying the definition, we came up with what I feel is a much truer representation of the concept of networking:
"The process of developing and activating your relationships to increase your business, enhance your knowledge, expand your sphere of influence or serve the community."
The changes may seem small, but they are significant. When one "activates" relationships, it's a much more dynamic, interactive, give-and-take type of engagement with others than simply "using" the relationships. Using is a one-way street, while activating is a major two-way highway. It's just much more powerful, more true to who we are -- or need to be -- today, if we want to succeed at truly engaging with our relationships. People who network in this way show markedly better results than the "users."
Related: 5 Ways to Use Your Network to Grow Your Business
About the paradigm shift from "contacts" to "relationships:" For many years, I've talked about the "hunting versus farming" mentality when it comes to growing a professional network. The "hunters" run from one business event to another, grabbing and passing business cards with very little interaction past that, diligently add the card to their database (read: "contacts"). Then they run out again in search of more to add to the ever-growing list. The bigger the list, the better they've "hunted" and, in their often-misguided opinion, the better their "network."
But let's think of the farmers, the ones who cultivate steady, growing, genuine and authentic relationships with the people they feel are important to include in their network. They have a steady back-and-forth of interactions that benefits not only them. Everyone involved is rewarded. Why? Because the time taken to really get to know people enough to make a relationship means that when it comes time to make a referral, it's much easier to call upon them.
By simply changing a couple of simple words in my original definition, we were able to fine-tune it into what we believe is the true meaning of effective networking. Our revised definition is much more congruent with the style of networking we teach every day, and what we know really works.
To be successful with business networking, you should understand that it is really about helping others as a way of growing your business. The people you help are more willing to help you or connect you to people they know. So in essence, networking is part of the process you go through to build a referral-based business. Through networking, you can deliver your positive message effectively. Referrals are the end result.
