Are you tapping into your network as much as you could?

Research shows that most people do not tap into their networks for help as much as they could. In other words, they underutilize their existing network of colleagues, classmates, and friends.

Oftentimes, when we are faced with a challenge – whether it’s how to deal with a difficult boss, what’s the hiring process at a company we would like to work at or how to prepare for a performance review – we turn to the internet for information and advice. But your network may be a much better source of assistance.
 
Your network can help you land a job, improve your project management skills, raise your profile in your company, ask for a raise or plan your vacation. Your network can provide you with help in a variety of ways:
 
It can provide you with information. People in your network can suggest a workshop that you should attend to improve your writing skills. They can educate you on emerging trends in your industry. Your network can help find a new apartment.
 
It can provide you with resources. People in your network might suggest a book on mentoring, time management, or effective communication styles that they have found particularly valuable. They can suggest an assessment tool to help you to better understand your strengths. They might suggest people you should talk to as you contemplate a career pivot.
 
It can provide you with advice. People in your network might give you advice about how to deal with a particularly difficult co-worker. They can share their experience in negotiating a part-time schedule. They can give you advice about whether an international assignment will further your career goals. They can help you decide whether to relocate to New York.
 
It can provide you with introductions. People in your network can introduce you to someone who is the hiring manager at a company you would like to work for. They can introduce you to someone who started a women’s initiative at her company. They can introduce to a parent at a pre-school that you are considering sending your child to.
 
Next time you are looking for help or advice, before turning to Google, take a moment to focus on who you know that could help you with that problem. The personal information or advice you will receive is much more likely to be helpful than the generic information you’ll get off the internet.
 
I’d love to hear about a time you tapped into your network and got valuable career-enhancing help or advice. Please share it with me at holtz@tomyyounger.me