(Better) Networking for Pay Nerds

Many of us in the compensation profession are hungry for opportunities to connect with colleagues, to exchange ideas and learn from the experiences of our peers.  This is one of the big lessons I took from my time helping lead one of our profession's greatest local networks -- and from my time toiling in the blogosphere.  While this may not be a unique yearning among HR professionals in general, I believe it is a particular challenge for the pay nerd contingent -- dominated as we are by those on the introvert side of the personality scale.

I was reflecting on that while reading a Harvard Business Review post about uber-networker Rich Stromback, noted particularly for his role as a connector at Davos (that Mecca of networking events held each year in Switzerland by the World Economic Forum).  As the author notes:

When a Middle East Prince was asked to meet with some Fortune 500 CEOs, he reached out to Stromback to attend and facilitate the meeting; when the Vatican was trying to negotiate a peace treaty of sorts they asked Stromback to help.

A bit above and beyond your networking objectives, perhaps.  But Stromback, who says most of what he's learned about connecting with people flies in the face of conventional networking advice, had some interesting tips to share.  In particular, I enjoyed the following one.

The key to networking is to stop networking. Nobody wants to have a ‘networking conversation,’ especially those who are at the highest levels of business and politics. They are hungry for real conversations and real relationships. It just has to be authentic, genuine and sincere. I don’t look at people’s badges to decide if they are worth my time. Davos is 3,000 influential people and I need to be selective, yet authentic  — focused, yet open to possibilities.

This is good news for us. We introverts chafe at the idea of having to turn it on and sell ourselves as we've been led to believe we must to successfully build a network -- particularly with those who may be aspirational connections, a level or so up from us in experience and accomplishments.

But the "networking" tip I've found to be most helpful in my own experience was showcased in an article shared recently in our local network LinkedIn group (hat tip to Mark Goldberg).  It's essentially this:  Stop networking and start helping.

Stop thinking of what you’re doing as “networking” and start thinking of them as opportunities to help people.

This shift in mindset is something that, over the years and when I genuinely follow through with it, has made networking more fun and productive -- and less stressful -- for me.  That and trying my best to draw out and listen to the other person.  To begin with, it takes the pressure off you to shine it and be impressive.  Secondly, it takes the pressure off the other person (who, if a fellow pay nerd, likely hates doing this as much as you do) and allows them simply to talk to a curious and interested new acquaintance.  Finally, it sets the stage for the kind of exchange where you not only build a real connection, but learn about the professional hopes and challenges you have in common -- teeing up an opportunity for you to share that offer of help.

Finally this.  Bet you didn't know that today is the fourth annual Tim Sackett Day (#TimSackettDay to follow the festivities on Twitter), a day created in honor of the unsung HR hero who works to make the profession better.  This year we honor Victorio Millian. (To learn more about Victorio, check out some great tribute posts -- Steve Browne's here and Jessica Miller-Merrell's here.)

One of the reasons that Victorio is being called out today by so many is that he personifies the advice about being a giver -- and he's managed to leverage social media as well as face-to-face connections in order to build this network of people who will tell you that he has inspired them, supported them and made them better at what they do. 

Want to learn more about authentic networking? Follow Victorio on Twitter (@Victorio_M) and check out his Creative Chaos blog.

Ann Bares is the Founder and Editor of the Compensation Café,  Author of Compensation Force,  and Managing Partner of Altura Consulting Group LLC.  Want to be famous for getting results -- with your compensation programs? We wrote the book on it (literally - Ann and Cafe cohorts Margaret and Dan) Check it out right here.  Ann also serves as past President of the Twin Cities Compensation Network (the most awesome local reward network on the planet) and is a member of the Advisory Board of the Compensation & Benefits Review.  She earned her M.B.A. at Northwestern University’s Kellogg School, is a foodie and bookhound in her spare time. Follow her on Twitter at @annbares.

Image courtesy of wikipedia commons

Comments

[Katherine Macrone]

Absolutely being a part of the HR and Comp Community through blogs and meetings is critical, also attending events such as the W@W annual meeting, local HR groups, and giving back through volunteer work with local schools, business organizations, etc expands your "network" and enhances all your relationships. I look at meeting others not as a "build my Rolodex" event but as an opportunity to connect with another person and learn about them which I see as fun an exciting, people are really amazing!

[Ann Bares]

Thanks for sharing your experience, Katherine. You make the great point about the value of networking outside our immediate profession - as you never know what these connections might bring your way in terms of important lessons, cool idea, great relationships and potential opportunities.