Networking

Networking is important for a career and it doesn’t have to be difficult. Building your connections can provide you with invaluable opportunities to exchange information, get advice from experienced peers, and in many cases achieve your career goals. Listen more than you talk and don’t interrupt when others are talking. When you talk don’t repeat yourself. It’s condescending.

The first step in networking is to create an action plan that outlines who you want to build connections with and how you plan on doing it. Do so by making two lists. In the first one list people you’ve met and want to strengthen your relationship with. Examples of this are colleagues and cool people you’ve met at events and other acquaintances. In the second one list people you want to meet. Example are leaders at work and members of a community you want to be involved with.

Take each list and decide on actions you’re going to take to meet or strengthen your relationship with each person. Strategize the best ways to connect with each individual. For example, if you’re meeting for the first time, concentrate on what you can do to make a great first impression. If you already know the person, find ways to talk to them more often by setting up monthly dates such as meeting for coffee.

Update your relationship action plan at regular intervals as you foster connections and develop new goals. The more deliberate you are in your networking efforts, the faster you’ll build relationships. According to LinkedIn:

• 80% of professionals consider professional networking to be important to career success.
• 35% of surveyed professional say that a casual conversation on LinkedIn Messaging has led to a new opportunity.
• 61% of professionals agree that regular online interaction with their professional network can lead the way into possible job opportunities.

Never pass up the chance to meet someone as you stand in line. It is the easiest, non-awkward way to meet the person in front of or behind you. If you don’t enjoy speaking with a person you can easily end the conversation once the line ends.

In every type of encounter pay attention when someone tells you their name. Repeat it back to them so they know you heard them. And then do your best to remember it. Work on your eye contact skills. Eye contact helps people remember your name. Don’t stare deeply into another person’s eyes but do listen carefully and demonstrate genuine interest in what the person is saying.

Talk about things other than work. People love to talk about their kids and pets. Try kicking off with a different kind of ice breaker. Suggestions are, “What’s your latest passion project?” or “What do you do for fun?” or “Have you read any good books lately?” They’ll remember you.

Relax and be you. Networking is about finding people and professional opportunities you vibe with. You don’t want people to think you’re something other than exactly who you are. The best opportunities are the ones that will fit your real self. Always remember that networking goes two ways. While on the lookout for doors opening toward your own goals so are others. The more value you provide to the people you meet, the more your acquaintanceship or friendship with them will flourish. They’ll see you as a valuable resource. That will make you feel good and they will see you as a valuable resource.

Ask people how you can help them meet their goals. Offer to introduce them to other people you know who can help, even if it’s over email or on LinkedIn.

Network online. Not all networking is in person. Try reaching out to people you know (or knew in a past) via LinkedIn, email, etc. It’s a valid form of networking. Send them a link to an interesting article, see how they’ve been lately, or comment on something they posted. and with online networking you have all the time in the world to plan out what you’re going to say.