Are you ready for the 2026 networking challenge?
I’m recommending we all consider what we can offer to others in our networks in 2026 and make a point of telling them. I’m not suggesting for one moment that we’re all shellfish ‘takers’ just that others may not always know that we’re approachable or willing to help. And sometimes our LinkedIn profiles (and posts) don’t demonstrate what we’re about and how much we’re prepared to encourage others. Our principal business purpose and role are often only half of the story!
There are so many different reasons that we all need to express ourselves, not least to prevent isolation from others. Whether we’re happy with our own company (in our own skin) and confident in our abilities, there’s often benefit in sharing challenges with others. And that’s what networking is all about. An opportunity to swap ideas, learn from others or support someone who’s having a tough time and ease their dilemma. But it’s vital that networking represents ‘give’ and ‘take’ as well as encouragement and solutions.
From time to time I get messages from previous clients and colleagues who think I might be able to help, yet they don’t have the budget to invest. That’s when I’m pleased to listen and consider a potential solution. My work isn’t always about financial gain, it’s about putting myself into a situation I’ve not been in before, so that I can learn. And it’s about supporting people who need help when they need it. Who knows when they’ll remember me next?
I’m sure that most of us have been in business long enough to ‘weed out’ the ‘takers’ and the ‘energy sappers’ without too much effort. You know, the ones who are ‘oh so stressed’ and try to make their problems your problems. Then when you offer some potential self-help solutions and options, they exclaim that ‘someone else’ suggested the opposite or there are concrete reasons why your ideas couldn’t work.
If you find yourself suddenly jettisoned into someone else’s world (or their muddle), and feel in danger of owning their challenges, I recommend taking French leave. In other words, quietly and unapologetically extracting yourself from the situation. You shouldn’t need to expend any more personal energy or justify your position. You’ve offered input, it’s rejected and that’s the deal. But that doesn’t mean that the relationship should end. It’s not Married at First Sight.
· Networking is a relationship that brings mutual benefits
· Networking isn’t the same as a business contract delivered at any cost
· Taking French leave isn’t the same as ghosting, it’s being realistic
· Ghosting sucks: it creates confusion, rejection, and anxiety
If you’d like to make some time to think about networking, why not get in touch with me Let's Chat — Heather Watt
