I like to say my hobby is collecting people. It's a fun way of saying I genuinely enjoy networking.
Friends and colleagues often come to me looking for help, and while I can't always solve their problem directly, I almost always know someone who can. A good introduction goes a long way.
Years ago, I had the pleasure of meeting Michael J. Hughes, widely known as North America's Networking Guru. Michael dedicated his career to helping business professionals use networking as a strategic skill, and his insights have stuck with me long after we first connected.
Sadly, Michael passed away last year, but his wisdom is absolutely worth keeping alive. Consider this a small tribute.
Here are his 7 characteristics of effective networkers, with my take on each:
- Courageous. They take the initiative, which makes everyone around them more comfortable. My take: At receptions or cocktail parties, be the first to introduce yourself. It costs nothing and sets a great tone.
- Curious. They've cultivated genuine curiosity, making others feel seen and valued. My take: Curiosity doesn't kill anything. It opens doors to conversations and connections you never expected.
- Caring. They show real interest in others, which builds trust fast. My take: A simple way to show you care? Share an article on a topic you know someone is passionate about.
- Skilled communicators. They let the other person shine and actually listen. My take: Active listening is the whole game here.
- Value creators. They look for ways to highlight someone else's strengths and connect the dots. My take: If I'm at an event and someone new joins the conversation, I'll introduce them with a hook: "Jim, meet Barbara. Barbara, Jim is an avid golfer." Instant connection.
- Consistent. They take ownership of keeping relationships moving, even when progress feels slow. My take: This is the hard one. Not everyone responds right away, and that's okay. Relationships take time.
- Contribution-focused. They lead with giving, not getting. My take: I often feel like I give more than I receive early on, but when I reach out for help, my network shows up. That's not luck; that's the return on a genuine investment in people.
Michael's framework is as relevant today as ever. If you'd like help tapping into my network or exploring leadership development, I'd love to connect. Let's talk.
