Should networking always be fun?

The other day, I sat and networked with an inspiring group of women. We are talking about mothers, wives, daughters, sisters and friends all together, discussing natural hair. You know what happens when you put nothing but sisters in one room, they're clowning, cracking jokes and they are more then willing to share their bad hair day experiences.

To fast-forward towards the end of the meeting, I had a mother tell me right before leaving that she did not like social networking. I paused in my steps, because at that moment I knew why my passion to share and educate others on professional networking was so important. She had no idea that she was already networking and had been doing so for years; within that group of amazing women.

It's important that we understand that social and professional networking is two different things. However, networking is communicating and connecting with a group of individuals with the purpose of furthering your career or enhancing your business. You should never look to network with people if you are not looking to gain knowledge, tools, a position, friendships, clients and etc. That does not mean that it can't be fun, it just means that you must do it with purpose.

There will be moments when you have to attend a conference, an executive meeting, there may be a moment where you're attending an after seven event which is more casual. It can be in passing at an art gallery, a comedy show case or on-set for a movie. My point is that you can connect with people anywhere but you must be excited and always hopeful about it because you never know what may come out of it. Networking will not always be fun but it is always necessary.


Be blessed and inspired on today,


Mrs. N.B.S

The Clique Vs. The Network

On today, I was reminded that often times we have individuals that prefer to be in cliques instead of being a part of a network. Now, I will get more in depth on my thoughts concerning this but here is the difference between the two.

"Clique" - A small group of people, with shared interests or other features in common, who spend time together and do not readily allow others to join them.

Source - Google

The key words here is do not readily. If you plan to have a private, uninviting group that focuses on appearances, comfort-based off on purely who you know and what you know then that is NOT a network.

"Network" - A group or system of interconnected people or things. Interconnected refers to those who are all connected.

Source - Google

The meanings and differences sound pretty accurate to me. I can't speak for you or anyone else but networking sounds much more attractive to me.

- This can be concerning when referring to cliques formed in an office setting or where individuals are motivated to build a professional leadership group. I can speak from my own personal experiences that becoming or being a part of a clique is something that you might want to avoid. If you desire the ability to form a successful networking partnership then you need to be open to meeting new people who have that objective at heart. Being a part of a clique happens often in work environments and that can stir up a lot of tension amongst co-workers, whether it be departmental or interdepartmental. Save your time and energy for producing quality work, building strong relationships, earning the trust of your co-workers and upper management. 

Managers be advised that you create the environment in which your employees will demonstrate professionalism and increase morale. You are the example. What you start will be what you have to finish and will be purely a representation of you.

That doesn't mean that you shouldn't be weary of those that you attach your name and brand too when building your networking circle. You have the advantage, communicate with them so that the relationship can thrive and grow. If someone has already made up their mind about you then they will automatically reject you or any information that you have to offer. Be open to the people that you come into contact with, you never know what type of skills or experience they may have. It's just like they say "Never judge a book by it's cover," you must always be willing to read the story. Ask specific questions and understand that you may not agree with what they have to say but realize that you have started a lane for communication with them. 

You have more influence over a person when your are more receptive to listening to them then rejecting them. I prefer to be the go-to person and not be the person to watch out for, There will be a time where you will need assistance from someone outside of your clique or network. You will not want to be rejected based off of how you treated them or someone that is connected to that particular person. 

There is always more to a person than what we can see or hear, keep that in mind. 

Be Blessed,

Mrs. N.B.S

Personal Vs. Professional Relationships

If you have valuable connections within your network then you need to be in constant communication them. Your network does not have to be large for it to be valuable, often times the best connections are unexpected and small. How do you know that you have a valuable network? It's when you don't have to ask repeatedly for support. 

Negative Outcomes of reaching out to your network:

Hosting an event:

If you are one to host events often and your events play a major role in how you market your business but no one in your network shows, how are they valuable connection?

Selling or offering a product or service:

You suggest or ask for individuals to share your product even it they are not interested. If no one even shares the product or services that you have, then they are not a valuable connection?

Starting a new business or venture:

You request that your connections, give a advice, give suggestions, feedback or referrals. You could ask family or friends and receive little to absolutely no responses at all. Your family and friends are exactly just that. They are not apart of your networking circle.

Keep in mind that each example that I shared does not eliminate those individuals from becoming a valuable connection it just means that they are not a valuable connection at the moment.

As a professional in general, we must be able to understand that a personal relationship and a professional relationship are different. I'm learning that you can have a personal relationship with individuals and it can be merely just that. I've also learned that if you have a professional relationship with the people who you are connected with then there is a certain level of respect given. When you have a personal and professional relationship with people that you are connected with, those people are your most valuable connections. You can accomplish so much with people when you have their respect and their friendship.

Be Blessed,

Mrs. N.B.S