We’ve all walked into an event quivering internally with fear or overwhelm. Networking can be intimidating, but it has the potential to bring enormous benefits to your career. 

When we network, we often have something we want to gain, but it's important to remember that networking is a two-way exchange. Building connections and relationships can lead to new opportunities and help you achieve your goals.

Networking is also a valuable leadership tool for gaining support from stakeholders. 

Here’s how reciprocity helps you build stronger connections (and influence) when networking in your new job. 

How reciprocity builds stronger connections in your new job 

​​Starting a new job can be overwhelming, especially in the first 30 days when you are meeting many new people and trying to build connections and friendships. Remembering names is one thing, but it's also important to remember how and why each person is relevant to you and your role. 

Building relationships, reputation, and social connections through influence is key to success in your role. It involves a trade of ideas and helps to foster long-term, mutual relationships. But it’s your attitude toward helping others that determines the strength of your network ~ AKA The art of reciprocity. 

Here’s how to use reciprocity at work. 

Ask interesting questions to engage others 

Asking powerful questions can be a great way to connect with others. When starting at a new organisation, it's natural to want to learn more about what people do and which team they belong to. But it’s the extra stuff that gives the best results. It's important to give people the opportunity to share their individual stories. When you get to know them better on a deeper level, you gain insight into how you can potentially add value to their life. 

Asking the simple question: "What led you to join this company and how are you enjoying it?" allows them to speak freely, and provides a chance for you to learn more about them. 

Determine what’s valuable to others 

When others share their story, use active listening to determine what they value (in their professional and personal life!). This helps you forge a deeper connection with them, laying the foundation for greater influence. By understanding what’s important to them, you can tailor your actions and interactions to better provide value. Active listening is key to discovering what they see as valuable. 

Outline strategies for building relationships and gaining influence with others 

To make friends and influence people, it's important to focus on being helpful. Our inherent desire to be beneficial leads us to feel the need to reciprocate unconsciously. Dale Carnegie's book, How to Win Friends and Influence People covers several principles that can help build reciprocated value. 

Simply, reciprocity involves responding to a positive action with another positive action. A basic example might be when your barista gives you a free cookie with your latte, and you reciprocate by popping your spare change in the tip jar (what a nice guy!). 

However, note that not every action you take will be returned, and it's not wise to expect an immediate response from others. Reciprocity isn’t an entitlement, but it will generate a positive, memorable response. When you understand how to genuinely help someone, you'll realise that it only takes a few minutes each day to make a genuine connection (and impact!). Prioritise adding value to others' lives, and you’ll naturally reap the rewards over time. 

We’re always here to help. Get in touch with your recruitment consultant if you need any guidance or advice.