Why Some IT Pros Are Terrible at Networking

As a CIO, you're expected to feel as comfortable engaging techies as you are senior execs with MBAs. And, often, schmoozing with IT and business pros at networking events presents great opportunities to raise your industry profile, promote your company and soak up useful knowledge. But tell us honestly: How often do you network? If you answered "seldom if ever," then you're in the majority: Most professionals and job seekers recognize the advantages of networking, yet they generally avoid this activity, according to a recent survey from the University of Phoenix School of Business. While some fail to network due to a lack of opportunity to do so, many hesitate because they "don't know the best way to go about it." Sometimes, they pay the price, as a notable share of survey respondents said they've lost a job opportunity by not networking. "Most people agree networking is an effective way to find their next career, gain a new client or collaborate on a work project; yet many may fear the process," said Rhonda Capron, academic dean for University of Phoenix School of Business. "Networking is a powerful tool that can make a difference in a person's career. Investing time and effort into learning how to develop these professional relationships and seize opportunities to engage with other professionals might be a little scary, but it is crucial for career advancement." The university includes best practices from Capron for networking along with the findings, and we've adapted some of those here. More than 2,000 professionals and job seekers took part in the research.