Have you built informal networks around you? Facebook, LinkedIn and Google+ are great tools, but they don’t compare to face to face interaction. You have the power to build solid relationships with people that you see during your daily routine. Why not take advantage of that awesome opportunity? Why use a communication medium such as email, texting, or social networks when you can interact face to face and experience rich communication? Trust me, I like social networks but nothing takes the place of being in the presence of engaging people. In many cases, informal networks provide the opportunity to help each other. We sometimes try to navigate through an organization, a system or process by ourselves when our informal networks may have the knowledge and wisdom to help us. Once you have established a new connection, adjacent networks are also formed, some may form based on personal interests, others are strictly professional. Establishing informal networks in most cases is natural for the extrovert. However, introverts must venture out of their comfort zones to increase their circle of influence. Introverts have the capacity to comfortably move out of their shell, it just takes a bit of practice.Whether you make these connections at a company outing, a sporting event, or interviewing new employees, all parties involved have the potential to reap the benefits.
Additional opportunities to build informal networks:
- Off-site meetings
- Coffee station conversations
- Conferences
- All hands meetings
- Gym
- Set up skip level meetings
- Having lunch with other departments
- Take social media to the next and schedule a face to face a meeting
Do you want to be a connector and expand your informal networks?
“What troubles me is the Internet and the electronic technology revolution. Shyness is fueled in part by so many people spending huge amounts of time alone, isolated on e-mail, in chat rooms, which reduces their face-to-face contact with other people.” -Philip Zimbardo
