Networking is, at it’s heart, relationship building.
Hey travelers! This post is a stream of consciousness type of reflection on what I believe to be one of the most (if not THE most) underutilized skills that missionaries need to employ in their service. These types of post will probably be more common as time constraints stop me from making a more structured series right now. With that said, let’s wade into the basics of networking before taking on the more detailed and nuanced aspects of the skill.
Networking is, at it’s heart, relationship building. When people are engaging in networking they are attempting to bridge the gap between individuals and organizations in hopes of profitable partnerships in the future. Said another way, networking is creating relationships that will then be useful in sharing, comparing, and editing information in the future.
In the business world, this means connecting with potential customers, business partners, investors, and employees. That doesn’t change much in the missions world. Instead you are connecting with potential prayer partners, pastors, sending churches, supporting churches, donors, and fellow missionaries. The context may be different but the principles are the same.
Speaking of which, what principles make for good networking? I’m no business or marketing expert but I’ve done a ton of networking and have found what works for me. Here are three principles I have developed for my own endeavors:
Mutually beneficial relationships are non-negotiable. If both parties in a relationship are not profiting then it’s just not a good relationship.
For missions, donors and prayer partners support and provide for our ministries but we, in turn, need to connect them to the mission field. That is why they support us! This goes beyond regular update email newsletters. Be creative and find ways to bring your people to the field and your field to the people.
Take a leap of faith and send that email! Set up a meeting! Do it imperfectly and do it scared!
Too many people think that everything has to be figured out, squared away, and neatly tied up to start their business or missions endeavors. Listen, just send that email to a possible connection and set up a meeting. Get in front of them and get your reps in practicing your ministry’s pitch. The first few times are gonna be bad. That’s the cost of entry. You don’t have to be perfect, you just have to be present. Stop worrying and get connecting.
Always be in Networking Mode! Every chance meeting is ordained by God and can be leveraged for His Glory. Make use of them!
As you go about your life, you will meet people. Interesting people, dull people, people with unique skills, people with no skills, you get the idea. Each of these people have a story and have connections that can benefit you and your work or ministry. Constantly be getting people’s contact info and emails. Reach out to them and start working that connection. Some of my best ministry partners have come from connecting through someone who connected me with someone else via “friend-of-a-friend” type situation. You never know where these kinds of things will lead so always be looking!
Okay, I can hear the introverts shaking in their boots as they read these words. I get it, I am one. However, there is a fundamental truth to life as an introvert: you can still be social and network like a pro. You’re just going to be really tired afterwards! If you can push past your fears and insecurity, the world will open up for you, I promise.
To end my little stream of consciousness on networking, I thought I’d give a slightly nuanced caveat to all that I’ve said here. Put simply, be wise. Some relationships can’t be mutually beneficial (anonymous donors), you DO need to have your ducks in a row and prepared to share about your business or ministry, and there are times when networking is HIGHLY inappropriate (funerals, hospital visits, etc…). Use wisdom. If there is not peace about networking with a certain person or at a certain place, listen to that instinct and back off. Wisdom knows the difference between fear and knowing it’s not the right time. Don’t give into the temptation to back off out of fear either. That won’t help you or serve your goals.
Okay! That’s all I have for now. These stream type posts will be more common going forward. I want to keep building this library of information for future missionaries. That said, I am working on a series now just need time to get it written. Be on the lookout!
Also, I’m on the eve of the Silk Road Mission Expedition #4! The next few posts will be updates from the road!
Thanks so much for reading travelers! If you’re new here, feel free to check out the SRM Backlog of blog posts. There is some great stuff there! I recommend starting here, 10 Steps to Becoming a Missionary!
That’s all for now, may the Lord bless you and keep you!
Kenneth See
SRM Founder