Each time you engage with your network you are also building (or eroding) your reputation. Paying attention to professional etiquette goes a long way toward adding value and longevity to your network. Good manners and common courtesy are essential when dealing with those that you wish to help and ask for help. The most important forms of professional etiquette are honesty, punctuality, propriety, and diligence. Here’s how to put them into practice.
When someone asks for your input, they expect you to be as candid as you can. We all want our network to contribute and participate in a way that is honest, straightforward and frank. A candid contribution to any discussion has value. If, for some reason, you’re not able to be candid regarding a specific request perhaps it’s better that you sit this one out.
Be responsive. You can’t always help, but you should always respond. We’re all busy and you may not be able to help with this request at this time. That’s OK. Let your colleagues know and encourage them to reach out again when there’s a need. A quick yes or no keeps your network healthy and shows that you value the relationship.
It’s paramount that you be trustworthy. Trust is a requirement for any network to be truly valuable. Never share confidential information you’ve acquired through your network unless you have permission to do so. If you’re not sure whether a piece of information is confidential, keep it to yourself until you know. If you need to mention one of your contacts by name—perhaps in a referral—you should have their permission first. Long-term success is based on building and respecting trust-centered relationships.
When someone takes the time to help you with a question, a referral, or a favor … remember to say thank you. It’s a small thing, but their time is in high demand and short supply—just like yours. Let them know you appreciate the effort they made to be a responsive, active participant in the network. And then you can offer to return the favor.
Check back next week for more ways you can build a truly powerful professional network. For a complete list of all 24 best practices you can use this link for a copy of the full white paper. You’ll get a pdf you can save and share, and immediate access to the content online.
To view previous posts in this Best Practices for a Powerful Professional Network series, please use the following links:
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Part 2: Expand Your View
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Part 3: Accelerate Decision Making
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Part 4: Proactive Care and Attention
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Part 5: Inside Strategies
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Part 6: Get In The Game
Lon Hendrickson is the Executive Director of the CCNG Magnet Program.
