Creating a work-life balance often refers to drawing a sharp line between home and office. There are, however, other approaches that many professionals find to blend, rather than separate, the two in ways that make both work and life more fulfilling.
When approached effectively, work-life integration provides many opportunities to meet our personal goals, even enjoy ourselves while advancing our careers. At the core of work-life integration is networking. For extroverted individuals, these opportunities are among the spoils of professional life. Meeting people, talking shop and exchanging business cards come second nature to some. Others on the more introverted side must make a concerted effort to increase and renew our professional connections.
A new community requires a new network
After relocating to Columbus three years ago, and being fortunate enough to participate in a number of receptions while acclimating to the community, I met representatives of the Women’s Fund of Central Ohio, the United Way of Central Ohio Women’s Leadership Council and a host of other nonprofits. Each organization offered opportunities to form relationships with talented women across the Columbus region.
Being neither a natural extrovert nor an overt conversationalist with strangers, I’ve learned to develop a mindset for building potential connections by viewing people whom I’ve not yet met simply as future friends and colleagues.
Connecting to survive
Particularly for a small business owner, professional connections are the key to survival and success. The value of keeping relationships fresh cannot be overstated. Inconsistent connections within our network can breed stale relationships.
A good friend of mine once admitted, if she didn’t spend 25 percent of her time networking or rekindling relationships, she felt the negative effect on her business. That didn’t mean she spent a quarter of each day at networking receptions, but she did have a conversation on the street, a quick phone call, a LinkedIn email or a cup of coffee to say hello.
Volunteering is good business
Networking also can occur while we’re doing what we love. When we help others, we’re helping our employers and ourselves.
Volunteering time to a nonprofit is a great way to contribute to a cause close to our hearts while nurturing our careers. Philanthropic work reflects well on employers, whether we work for an organization or own a business, which in turn builds brands and enhances reputations.
Volunteering is a phenomenal way to form bonds with people who may prove to be invaluable professional connections. After all, an individual giving her time and expertise to a nonprofit board will be surrounded by those who are, by definition, generous people.
Calling all introverts
Think you’re just not cut out for networking? Nonsense. Remember that when in a networking situation, we inherently have something in common with those around us. It’s just a matter of exploring what those commonalities are.
At their essence, the connections you build can significantly enhance your overall quality of life. That’s the true value of a healthy commitment to work-life integration.
This column is brought to you by The Huntington National Bank, Member FDIC. Deborah Manos-McHenry is Senior Vice President and Chief Sourcing Officer at Huntington Bank. Reach her at [email protected] or (614) 480-5249.
