Today’s installment is about thinking sideways! We’re going to talk a little more about how to increase your networking worth on LinkedIn through Broadsiding
I was looking for information on health services in Ontario. Rather than go through the impenetrable maze that is the government, I looked up individuals on LinkedIn who might know more, explained my situation, and sent off a few requests. While I didn’t get what I was looking for, I changed the conversation towards learning and development with a few contacts, to see what might come of it. The end of the process netted me a few contact points that I hope to explore further.
Broadsiding is known by many other names or concepts. The idea is to approach a contact not from its most immediate point, but perhaps through other avenues. Doing some research, do you find people in an organization who share an interest, or a point of confluence?
Join LinkedIn groups (This should be a no-brainer!) and contribute, contribute, contribute. Even if it’s just a post every so often, or your own blog post, throw them out there and see what you can do! Networking may not be about approaching a problem directly, but finding the six degrees of separation between the people who can help you the most, and the people who help them!
What a great idea! I haven't thought of this but will certainly try it in the future. It's a great way to look at a problem in a different way.
ReplyDeleteReally enjoy your posts here, by the way.