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The good book states that when you give, “Your gift will return to you in full, pressed down, shaken together…” In professional networking, reciprocity is just as important. It’s the foundation for meaningful and mutually beneficial relationships that lead to career growth.
When seeking to offer value in your networks, it's essential to approach it with a mindset of altruism. Don’t become a manipulative opportunist.
Here are various ways to offer reciprocal value to people in your professional networks.
Start by understanding what people you know need and then how your skills match these requirements. It may take some time to figure out the needs of a person who occupies a higher rank than you. But reach out confidently and ignore the imposter syndrome.
One can start a communication with phrases like: “I happen to be an expert in this field, so if you need any assistance, feel free to reach me.” This way they will identify you as someone who can provide solutions for specific problems in their life either at present or in the future.
You can repay people in your network by granting them a chance to help you genuinely. After receiving help, you can show them how what they have done has changed your life for the better. You’d have helped fulfill one of man’s innermost desires - to be meaningful in this world.
Be sure to demonstrate gratitude whenever your network provides you with assistance. According to the book “Influence Without Authority” by David Bradford and Allan Cohen, many people are not concerned with intangible gifts such as recognition or reputation.
Instead, they prefer more tangible rewards such as social connections, money, and information. For example, mentors who like to help others like it even better when they receive financial rewards for their work.
Another way to offer reciprocal value is by introducing others to like-minded people within your network. This strategy enables individuals to reach their full potential and facilitates collaboration within your professional community.
Picture a scenario where you attend a networking event and meet a business owner looking for a web designer for their upcoming project. Coincidentally, you remember that another close acquaintance is a talented web developer looking for new opportunities.
By connecting these two individuals, you provide a meaningful solution for both parties and strengthen your reputation as a dependable person in your networks.
If you want to advance your professional network and grow your career, learn as much as you can in networking events. What you learn can prove helpful to another person within that network. Demonstrating unique knowledge in industry forums and events puts you in a unique position for career growth.
In this case, learning can involve staying current on the latest developments in your industry and finding new opportunities or challenges to help you grow.
By embracing the idea that there is always room for growth through experiences, Harvard Business Review states that you can increase your chances of success in your job performance and networking growth.
Reciprocity in professional networking is all about contributing more than you take from your networks. If you take the time to know others and understand their needs, most likely, you will unlock illimitable ways to help them grow.
So what are you waiting for? Start marshaling your skills to add value to others. You’ll love it and have fun while at it.
