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Whether new to the profession, working as the client-side FM or for a services provider, according to L&D experts, joining a networking group is a valuable way to exchange ideas and hear from different perspectives. What advice would you give to those working in FM who are considering joining a networking group and in what ways do you think it could benefit their career?
FM COMMUNICATOR’S VIEW
DAVID EMANUEL,
MANAGING DIRECTOR, I-FM
I’ve been an active networker throughout my career, and my first piece of advice is that networking is not another word for sales. Whether you are connecting with someone in person at an event or virtually on social media such as Linkedin, it is not appropriate to launch into a sales pitch.
Networking is about finding out about other people: you have two ears and one mouth and that is the proportion in which you should use them in these situations.
Networking is an opportunity to be able to help others, as well as ask for help from them, too. A good network can provide help and support, offer advice or assistance, or pass on ideas and recommendations. It’s more about sharing than selling.
There’s a plethora of opportunities out there for networking, in-person or online. However, don’t feel compelled to accept every online invitation. If you don’t know someone or haven’t met them, ask first ‘why connect?’ It’s not a competition to see how many connections you can make.
It’s all about trust and worthwhile relationships at the end of the day. And as your career develops, so will what you do and who you do it for.
Today, the networking landscape has evolved from the languishing membership bodies of the past. Others have stepped up and offer many interesting alternatives. There are networking events out there that are catering for an increasingly diverse group of FMs such as FM Connect, Tomorrow Meets Today, the Emerging Leaders Forum and more. They have different formats and a different feel about them, too, so try them out and see where you feel the fit is best.
When you are at a more senior stage in your career, consider the various livery organisations connected to the built environment, such as the Worshipful Company of Pattenmakers, Worshipful Company of Constructors and Worshipful Company of Environmental Cleaners.
Livery companies acted as trade organisations in medieval times, and companies back then only existed by royal charter – the Freeman of Livery companies could apply to be given the Freedom of the City by the Chamberlains Court, which was a licence to trade in the City.
Today, being a liveryman (that word is used as a non-gendered term in this connection) is not so much about trade and more about charitable giving and putting others first. These are now philanthropic groups and thus the expectation is to help others. No one has ever approached me at a livery dinner and tried to sell me their services, unlike too many other events I’ve attended over the years. There’s a time and a place for everything – if sales is your thing, attend a business forum (Forum Events is a well-known organiser in FM): there it’s all about lots of short business meetings.
Livery companies are all about fellowship, getting to know people with a common goal of helping others in the City. The Pattenmakers, notably, facilitate the Future Leader FM Award, providing the winner with mentoring and several thousand pounds worth of professional development and training, as well as presenting him or her to the Lord Major of London at Mansion House. Somewhat different to a shiny trophy and a handshake from a celebrity at an awards dinner.
There are plenty of options available to those at all career levels who want to develop their networks both in-person and online, and who want to get ahead for the right reasons. You just need to decide what you want to achieve and then step out and test waters.
