I was talking to a friend of mine in the office I used to work at the other day and we were talking about his vacation that he didn’t plan yet. His dilemma was that he didn’t know where to go. He new it was going to be an international vacation but didn’t know the exact spot or how he wanted to travel once he got there.

 He scoured the Internet for advice, tips, warnings like all of us would but for him that wasn’t enough, he was still unsure. After a conversation we identified that he wanted all of that information from an actual human other than the soulless computer screen.

He could have gone to a travel agent but he felt that the advice procured would contain biased viewpoints. When I brought up that he should check into his network of people for advice he retorted that he didn’t have the time or didn’t want to bother these people.

Not wanting to put him through the ringer about how bad that mind set is for him I suggested another route and this works for the people who think they are too busy to network.

Please note, I don’t suggest going about your day by just relying on this type of approach every time. There is no substitute for strong ol’ fashioned networking but if you truly do not have time to hold a lengthy conversation to identify the needs, wants, and interests of the person you are talking to then this strategy will suffice.

1)      Identify something you want or need to get accomplished. If the project is big, break it down into smaller more manageable parts. A few examples are

1. I want to go on vacation. = Where should I stay in South America?
2. I need cheap materials for my business. = Where can I get cheap plywood?
3. I am interested in building a website. = Where can I find a website team to edit user submitted articles?

The right side of the above equations are what you should focus on when in a conversation. As always, networking is a numbers game but if you resolve to allow what you want (Where can I get cheap plywood?) to leak out in every conversation, the chances increase that you will find someone who can help you.

2)      If you are truly pressed for time then I would allow the following shortcut on my philosophy.

1. Get into a conversation and follow the casual first couple of lines that everyone uses in a conversation.

i.      Normal Conversation Flow

1. Them: Hello. How are you? How are you doing?
2. You: Good. Thanks and yourself?

 ii.      Conversation Adjusted for the Busy Networker

1. Them: Hello. How are you? How are you doing?
2. You: Not too bad but I’ll be doing better once I find the answer to this question. (Ask your question.) (Allow them to offer advice or help if they can.)

Hope this helps!