“It’s not WHAT you know or WHO you know but HOW MANY you know that counts.”
If this doesn’t make sense, let’s put it another way: If no one knows about your skills, talents, and projects, who’s going to help you make the best of them?
In today’s world, where people often work together in loose partnerships to achieve their goals quickly, “knowing many people†– as well as “the right people” is more important than ever. Therefore, your ability – as a funeral service professional—to develop and maintain a broad network of “business friendships” is a critical skill for every career professional.
Here’s the best part – or the most motivating part: People with strong networks get more things done more effectively. They have the wisdom to listen and learn from others with knowledge or experience different from their own…and they are able to use their network as they progress through their careers, whether in a planned way or only when a crisis looms.
When it comes to a funeral director’s personal life, they usually have a group of friends or family for socializing and other activities. However, what about their professional network? What about other professionals or colleagues?
Remarkably, the same principles used to surround ourselves with the support of family and/or friends holds true at work, yet we often hesitate about actively building our professional network of support and resource.
Perhaps our hesitation is due to the fear we would be perceived as “using” other people or we may be daunted by the prospect of having to “work” a room of strangers at a conference or event.
But, here’s something you need to know about networking. It doesn’t have to be daunting or difficult. It can be an enjoyable and rewarding part of your professional life and, ultimately, your professional growth.
You’re probably already part more networks than you realize. How can you be sure? Just look around. Do you have a regular group you sit with at your civic club? Do you have a golf group of business acquaintances? Do you belong to an association?
If you said “yes†to any of these questions, you already have a good beginning in building a network.
Your next step is recognizing mutual benefits that come from certain relationships and building from there.
Do you know a caterer? Get to know him/her better so you can work with them any time a family requests a catered reception after a viewing. Do you know a musician? You may want to find a mutual benefit there, too.
Successful networking, ultimately, is a state of mind. It’s not about “I’ll scratch your back if you’ll scratch mine.†It’s more about how can we work together so we will both become successful.
By surrounding yourself with a network of varied and available talent, your network with explode with new mutually beneficial relationships before you know it!