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Hey Coach!
Networking seems like it’s all about using people and allowing them to use you. How can I network without feeling like I am being manipulative?
 
It’s just a matter of reframing. Networking isn’t about using people. I think of it as people helping each other. Let me turn it around: What do you offer people in your network? What experiences and strengths do you have that will benefit people in your network who come to know you, employ you or are referred by you?
 
Imagine if you came to this country as a settler and needed to build a barn. It would be impossible to build a barn yourself, especially never having built one before. Starting out in your career is a bit like barn building. You’ve had very few experiences, few contacts and you may not know where to start. Networking gives you career support,job contacts, and it makes people aware of your talents. Keeping in touch with former employers, work colleagues, and school friends may help you open doors you never even knew existed. Focus on give and take instead of just taking. Networking is about people helping each other for mutual benefit. jp