FELICIA LEE | Executive managing director, eWomenNetwork Vancouver
Our values represent what is important to us and guide our behaviour and decision-making. We are often drawn to people and organizations with values similar to ours. Think about a group or a person that you enjoy – what is it about that organization or that person that you love? You likely have shared values.
The challenge of conventional networking is that people are put together in a group and expected to build relationships based on criteria like demographics, industries, stage of business or common interests. Most of us have had the unpleasant experience of having people behave in ways that repel or offend us in these settings, and may have caused us to view networking negatively. We might feel that a group isn’t a fit for us because of how people act in the group. But these behaviours may very well be consistent with the values of the group, and it’s the values misalignment that causes the friction.
The alternative is to select where you network based on alignment of values. For example, eWomenNetwork is founded on three values: “Give First, Share Always, and Lift as You Climb.”
This means that someone who doesn’t believe in giving before you get, sharing resources and expertise, and mentoring others will likely become frustrated if she joins. We are very clear about the necessity that our members share these values, and we communicate our values at every event. As a result, our members are highly engaged with each other. This helps them and certainly helps their businesses.
The next time you are networking, consider investigating the values of the group before you invest your time and resources. It will clarify whether the group will feel like “home” for you.
SYDNEY SCOTT | Founder, Alchemist Professors
Networking in a values-based way could mean never having to cold-call again. People who like and trust you and know the quality and depth of your work based on shared values will become your salespeople. They feel great about referring you because you are aligned with their values and how they want their associates treated. They know that the people they refer to you will get fabulous service.
I’ve always been immersed in values-based work. As an academic I taught this in a university setting; I now teach values-based leadership to business leaders. I help them identify their greatest strengths, which usually represent the values they hold most dear.
This in turn comes across when they connect with others and is why I’m such an advocate of values-based networking.
Values-based networking means building relationships based on trust. To do that, find organizations that reflect your values and get engaged with them. Your networking colleagues will have the confidence to speak highly of you and to refer you to others who they know will get great benefit from working with you.
You will expand the pool of potential clients/customers who will trust you. All you have to do is ensure you serve the referrals in a manner that reflects the values that brought you together.
Spend the time in your business doing what you do best, then let your network do the rest.
SANDRA GARCIA | Founder, Conscious PR Inc.
Values-based networking is what all business networking should be. Every business should have its values clearly defined in its vision and mission statements, and determine the best place to network.
In the early stages of my business, I went to every networking event under the sun, including events hosted on Meetup.com. In my fifth year, I rebranded and worked with a mentor to help me get in front of companies that might share my values of social good and sustainability. She introduced me to LOCO BC, the Social Venture Institute, the Board of Change and Social Enterprise Canada, and I started attending their events and meeting like-minded businesses. One thing I learned about these communities is that they spoke a very different language than other industries. There was very little exchange of business cards and more conversation around our beliefs and real issues going on in the world. Be prepared to speak a different language than what you might be used to. However, you will know that you’re in the right place when you feel great coming out of an event, having had memorable conversations that went deeper than simply what you do.
The value of these types of conversations is that they lead to building more lasting relationships, which is the foundation of good business. Others are more likely to recommend you when you are known for both your expertise and your values. Value alignment has brought Conscious PR Inc. not only business, but also more fulfilling work.
Many associations host networking events, so once you do more exploration on the organization’s values, you can consider joining as a member and take advantage of the member benefits, which can include additional exposure for your business.
