Social Networking

Social networking, much like business networking, is a phrase which often leads to raised eyebrows on the part of people hearing about/experiencing someone engaged in it.  It is also, however, a phenomenon that is growing in popularity.

 

The reasons for this popularity are not easily listable, but probably stem from the fact that people are increasingly busy with their careers, and are also often living in big cities where the sense of community we used to count on no longer exists.  It is unlikely now that you know your local butcher/baker/candlestick maker and their families, but we all still feel the need to reach out and make friends. 

Another factor to consider is that social and business networking are not necessarily mutually exclusive, although many people maintain that they should be.  I, however, am one of those who maintain the opposite: they should be intertwined, for the very reasons that make both forms of networking so reviled in some sectors. 

Networking is not, or rather, should not be, a purely selfish attempt to bulk up one’s address book.  Rather, it should be a genuine reaching-out to people with similar interests, and is therefore inherently mutual.  That is, the people who come to events, conferences and so forth with the express purpose of “networking” are invariably those who get none done.  Why?  They are the people who’re easy to spot: the shifty eyes, the obvious half-paid attention to conversation while they scan the room for someone who may be more useful to them. 

Rather, networking is simply about reaching out to those around you – never expect someone to do you a favour, but be willing to help out anyone you can – you’d be amazed at how small acts of kindness are rewarded later, although not necessarily by the same person you were able to help.  Certainly, the “you help me and then I’ll help you” approach is one doomed to failure.

 

In short, when networking in any form, remember you are primarily there to meet people – be friendly, polite, and above all, open-minded.  The person you snub now may prove to be someone you wish had reached out to later.

 

For a great book on networking, read Andy Lopata’s “…and Death Came Third! The Definitive Guide to Networking and Public Speaking”, which received global kudos and reached no. 2 on Amazon.co.uk when it was launched.  He also has a blog, which can be found at http://networkingandreferrals.blogspot.com/

 

It is also very likely that there will be more blog articles based around this subject, so keep your eyes open!

 

aimée whitcroft

The SaVVy Club’s members enjoy a unique calendar of bespoke social events organised just for them. They can enjoy the company of fascinating people and relax in the knowledge that everything is taken care of.

 

 

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The Work – Life balance: where is the divide, and should there be one?

The work-life balance has been the focus of a great deal of attention in recent years. As global skills and economies grow, many of us are finding that in order to be successful, we have to put increasingly long hours into our careers, often at the expense of our personal lives.And that is where the debate begins. How much is too much time spent on one’s career?

Is it quantifiable, and if so, how many hours per week does it boil down to? Is it different for men and women? Does, or should, the presence of a family make a difference? If one does choose to work less so as to spend more time with loved ones and oneself (the oft-forgotten person we should all spend time with), how much of our income is it fair to sacrifice? Which is more important – to send the kids to that really expensive school/buy that really wonderful home, or to have quality time with those around us?

These are not questions I can answer. I don’t believe anyone can – they are questions the answers to which are most likely different for everyone. It is worthwhile to think about them, though, and thinking about them seriously, so as to ensure that there are no regrets later in life.There is also another issue to deal with:actually separating work and private lives can be almost impossible. It’s not only that we may spend too much time at work.

It’s also that we are all, fundamentally, human beings, and as such we tend to bring our private lives with us to work.While this may not always be ideal – for example, going through a rough personal time may negatively affect our work – it is, for most of us, unavoidable. It’s something it behooves us all to remember, no matter where we may be on the corporate ladder.

Even modern management theory has abandoned the “Metropolis” idea of people as automatons, and reluctantly concluded that people are just that – people, complete with all the characteristics that can make them both brilliant and nightmarish.There is an alternative, though, and one is that not often discussed. Perhaps it is seen as being too romantic or idealistic.

In short, though, maybe it is not necessary to have such a balance – perhaps we can endeavour to find something that we love to do. If we can, then the distinction between “work life” and “private life” falls away, and everything we do simply becomes part of “life”. It’s another challenge in and of itself, of course, but the dividends will far outweigh the costs when the final books are balanced.

aimée whitcroft

The SaVVy Club’s members enjoy a unique calendar of bespoke social events organised just for them. They can enjoy the company of fascinating people and relax in the knowledge that everything is taken care of.

 

 

 

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