Networking – A Buzz Word or a Biblical Principle? by Donna Skell

Today’s guest blogger is Donna Skell. Donna is the Executive Director of Roaring Lambs Ministries. With a heart for God, people, and business, Donna stays active in the Christian community. She has been involved with this ministry since it’s inception and came on staff in 2008. Prior to that she served with the American Tract Society as spokesperson.  Along with her husband, Anton, Donna owned and operated a successful chain of ladies fitness clubs in the Dallas/Ft.Worth area, called Cosmopolitan Lady. Donna especially enjoys speaking to Ladies Groups, Churches, and at Retreats. Her rich Jewish heritage and her study of God’s Word enhance her insight into the issues involved in Christian faith and living. 

Is “Networking” a buzz word of our times, or a Biblical principle? 

Today, articles and books abound about the necessity of networking, the power of networking, and the A-B-C’s of networking.  The new model of job seeking is networking and numerous are the resources about networking for employment and career advancements.  Popular is the “6 Degrees of Separation” theory that suggests that everyone is only six introductions away from anyone else in this world.

We all know that, in business, a warm introduction is better than a cold call and referrals are the easiest sales.  And the “who you know” is very important.  Networking is people meeting people, getting things done, and creating personal relationships.

Networking is not just for the career-minded.  Whether you are seeking a good doctor for a particular ailment or the purchase of a car, knowing the right person to ask can

be a big help.  Being able to benefit from the knowledge and experiences of others is time and pain saving.  Being a conduit connecting others with information or people is a positive thing.

God is the master networker.  He knows everyone and what benefit we could bring to one another.  He is at work orchestrating those divine appointments, the “coincidental” meetings and the “small world” moments.   We need to do our part and make ourselves available to be used by Him in the lives of others.

Meet More People

Make it a discipline to put yourself in situations where you meet new people.  Find people from whom you can learn.  Find people strong in their faith.  Find groups of common interest — church, profession, hobby, causes, civic and/or service organizations.  Find groups that are attended by those with whom you would like to associate.  Networking is meeting new people and seeking connection.  Position yourself to meet new people regularly.

Make Your Meeting Memorable

People like to do business with people they like.  People like people who are sincerely interested in them.  When you talk with someone, tune the world out and focus on them.  Find common ground.  Can you make them smile, chuckle, laugh?  Ask questions and absorb answers.  Find out what keeps them busy (…”when they’re not attending events like this.”)  Be thinking of how you might be of assistance to them.  Be an “includer” and inviter.  Find good things to attend and tell others.  Be a broadcaster of good news, always having a positive word.

Capture their contact information – a business card, phone number or email address.

Assist Your Acquaintances

Every introduction is an opportunity for God to use you in this person’s life.

There is some way in which you can be a benefit to this person.  Seek that out.

True networking is people meeting and helping each other.

Ask yourself,

How can God use me this very moment?

What encouraging word can I give?

What do I know that could help them?

Would any of my experiences be of benefit?

Whom do I know that they could benefit from meeting?

What other event might I tell them about or invite them  to?

What seed could I sow?

How can I give God glory?

Can I share Christ?

How should I pray for them?

Can I pray with  them?

And when it is your turn to introduce yourself,

 Have something good to say.  Say it well.  Say it often.

Recognize the value of a good “30 second commercial”.  Have something prepared to say.  What is memorable about you?  What solutions do you provide?  What three things would you most want others to know about you?

Speak boldly with direct eye contact.

Be prepared when opportunities arise — opportunities that allow you to give a glimpse of who you are and what is most important to you.  Continue to put your thoughts, ideas, and needs out there.  People can and will help you.  Shortly after meeting someone, send them a personal note with your business card included, email, or leave a voicemail (call office after hours).

Keep all your contact information in one place, preferably one form.

Review it often to bring to mind those to contact.  Schedule follow up calls and emails to maintain relationship.

Without Expectation of Return

The best networkers seek to help others without keeping score.  Continue to build and work your net as you meet and connect people.  Would any of the new people you meet be helpful to the ones you met earlier?  Networking is working your net  to connect people to resources in your net.  Leave the results to God.  And along the way you will be blessed.