Network Works

As my business school experience nears its end, I reflect on the many lessons I've learned. I've learned how to create discounted cash flows, run regressions and evaluate a business plan, but more importantly, I've learned how to leverage the valuable network most of us so often ignore.

Networking is so misunderstood and underutilized. It is more than just cocktails with strangers. Its not just for when you need a job. Networking is a lifelong project of building and maintaining relationships. It is carefully-worded emails, strategically-scheduled coffees, informational phone calls and every now and then, casual cocktails. It is for all those times in your life where you will need something, whether business related (a job, an employee, business advice, seed funding for a new venture) or personal (travel advice, doctor/babysitter/hairstylist referral).

While it's not something to be afraid of, its also not easy. Networking requires fearlessly and confidently talking to any and everyone you know about what you need, exploring every online channel, fully utilizing the power of social networking web sites, and making connections through referral after referral after referral until you get what you are looking for. It's a treasure hunt and a game, and most people don't know how to play it.

I recently hosted an event at school called Speed Networking, modeled after the idea of Speed Dating. The objective was to help each other in our individual job searches by talking to each other about what we need and taking time to think about how we could help one another. While it was poorly attended (see blog about disillusioned second years that I may write at a later time), it felt successful. We walked into the event thinking that our searches were too obscure and that we already exhausted every avenue but we walked away with new leads and valuable advice. It was the most productive hour I've had in quite awhile.

One of the main reasons people invest in business school is for the network. We all pay a hefty price to be connected to top-tier talent -- current and future CEOs and business leaders. But a random connection means nothing unless you know how to use it. And if there's one thing I will always remember from business school, its the power of a network and the skills to leverage it.