To gain the most from being a homeworker you will need to engage in the complexity of how to network from home.
Create a process that works for you.
Consider the list of distant communication tools here for you to use:
- Group conference telephone calls
- Personal telephone calls
- MSM
- Emails
- Stuff in post
- The internet i.e. Second Life, Facebook
- Video calls
Why do you want to use networking as a tool to achieve your aims, is there anything else you could do instead? To get the most out of our time, focus and methods of networking we need to start with the end in mind. You will need to make sure whatever you write down it does feel right and they do ‘inspire’ you?
Make sure you understand exactly what networking means how it is best used and align the activity to your personal and business goals.
Where ever possible distant networking should be supported with face to face meetings,
When we work in an office we often see the people we want to develop better relationships with. As a home worker this is not always the case. As you may be feeling “out of sight is out of mind”, the reverse can be true of ‘them to you’. So create something that will keep them visible.
- no I am not talking about having a picture of your bosses on the wall….though for some that might work!!
- Perhaps create a mind map of who you want to build relationships with and stick this on the wall in front of you.
- Under each section add the names of those you know or want to get to know better.
- Then think about where you have gaps that are important to fill
Jeff Bezos, CEO Amazon says “a brand is what people say about us when we are not in the room” Being a homeworker it is important to get clear what you want your brand to be. What do you want management to say about you and or your colleagues?
- Based on what you ultimately want to achieve, therefore who should be in your networks now consider what you want the ‘water cooler conversation’ to be
- Do you know what is being said about you at the moment? If you don’t know you need to find out.
- Find out if BT has a 360 degree feedback tool you can use
- Or go to 10 of your key contacts and ask the question “Because I trust and respect your opinion, I would really appreciate it if you could consider the following question and send me your thoughts. What do you see as my talents and abilities, characteristics that describe me, what am I good at, how do I do things, what you count on me for, and anything that impresses you about who I am. Uniqueness in the business world is so important and hence why it would be so useful to know your thoughts … on me. (Blush!!)
- Bring all this together, action on the information (so many people now just sit on it) and start using networking as a proactive and effective tool
Question: Have you had your Insights profile done – that is BTs preference tool to help you understand how you ‘show up to the world’ and how to understand others. If you have, what colours are you?
How I would ‘naturally’ want to develop relationships with people and to understand how the other person may receive my efforts. I am for example a Red/Yellow.
My list of contacts and what their Insights might be and consider how I could add value in a way they would appreciate.
I ‘think’ a lot about everyone I know,
I encourage people to send me stuff so that I can re-circulate useful things.
I have a little saying that might be useful “pass it forward – do a PiF a day”.
Question: If you have not done your insights, can you give me a feel for your character i.e. outgoing, quiet, shy, extrovert, ideas person, detailed person, big picture etc
Everyone’s character has strengthens and yes ‘area of development’. I want you to concentrate on your strengthens however. I also want you to concentrate on what you love doing (at work), how you like to engage with people whatever it is that makes you come alive and fully engaged. This is part of your natural brand and one to be fully ultised. Why, because this is when you become passionate, excited, curious, engaged etc. and that is often what other notice first. Natural talent.
Question: You mention that you attend some events when you visit BT sites, can you give me an idea of the frequency?
Note here that cramming your day to the hilt does not best serve you. I would liken homeworkers to a flower (if you excuse the metaphor) and if we are not ‘watered’ regularly, we wilt and droop!
I would definitely plan my days to other sites when there are other forums taking place. It would i) allow me to see a lot of people in a short period of time (very economic), ii) know that I belong to a community (high visual) and iii) get inspired with ideas.
Make sure you time your visits to masterclasses, team meetings etc. Normal stuff. Consider who you need to meet based on your key contacts. This does not have to too formal. Sometimes with senior executives it might be just a quick 10 minute chat up. Take the pressure off them – show consideration.