Come out and play!

The term netwalkingwas created by combining the concept of “networking” with the act of “walking.” Before the age of computers, networking was defined as the exchange of knowledge, ideas, services or personal connections among individuals, groups, businesses, organizations and/or institutions. 

Networking is an excellent way to explore career and job opportunities, and netwalking is about cultivating these kinds of relationships while “on the move.” It is about finding commonality and conversing with comfort and ease.  

Bring a pocket-sized notebook and a pencil or pen for jotting down names and ideas. 

Wear something distinctive, such as a necklace, neck tie, blouse or t-shirt which may end up being a good conversation starter. 

Carry a bottle of water, and wear comfortable walking shoes. 

Set a goal or intention for the walk.

Connect. The traditional way for Americans to greet one another is with direct eye contact, a warm smile and a handshake, using the right hand. Anyone uncomfortable with a handshake can offer an elbow or a fist bump. Greetings vary from culture to culture, and this is an interesting topic to research. 

The Student Leadership Training Program calls a handshake a “webby.” Between the index finger and thumb is a web of skin. When shaking hands these webs make contact and an energetic connection is made. A handshake says something about a person. A limp handshake expresses timidness. A hard squeeze of a handshake is intimidating. Most business people will give a firm, though not too firm handshake. Try to strike a balance between confidence and humility.     

Introduce yourself clearly. When you are meeting someone for the first time, state your name slowly and clearly. When the other person states their name, repeat it back to them.  Make sure you heard correctly and try to etch the name firmly into your memory. Repeat the person's name somewhere in your conversation, while you are looking at the person,  This will impress the other person and will help you improve name recall.

Be prepared with some general questions and listen attentively to the answers. Networking is about gathering information and giving information. The more information you have at your disposal, the more effective you can be in helping and connecting others. Knowledge helps you to become more effective in your own endeavors, as you are better able to relate in terms of shared values and better able to meet another person's needs. 

Conduct your conversations as if it's all about them, especially if the person may be a prospective employer. The more you know about them, the better you are able to provide them with referrals, assistance and ideas. 

Above all, have fun and be yourself! Make a game out of netwalkng/networking. Converse with curiosity, as if you are an undercover investigator. Networking is more like farming than hunting. The big payoff from networking is unlikely to happen overnight. It takes time and work.  You plant seeds, and you go back to water and nurture those seeds. Think positively, and you will find a bountiful harvest. Watch your life story develop in amazing ways.

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