Learn to love networking

“I hate networking.” It’s a familiar refrain. But in today’s world, networking is a necessity—and fortunately, an aversion to it can be overcome. Drawing on laboratory experiments and on studies at a large law firm, the authors have identified four strategies that can help people become more excited about and effective at building relationships: • Focus on learning. Adopt a “promotion mindset” and concentrate on the positives, and you’re more likely to perceive networking as an opportunity for discovery rather than a chore. • Identify common interests. Consider how your goals align with those of people you meet, and networking will feel more authentic. • Think broadly about what you can give. Remember that you have something valuable to offer, whether it’s knowledge, gratitude, or recognition. • Find a higher purpose. Frame your networking in terms of a larger goal—the collective benefits for your company, say—and the activity will feel more authentic and will lead to connections that bear fruit for everyone. INSET: If Networking Makes You Feel Dirty, You?re Not Alone