Networking is a skill that is needed whether you are new in the industry or want to go to the next level in your career. Building a relationship, building a profession-based relationship, and expanding your contacts have the potential to open opportunities that would have otherwise been closed. The key to successful networking, however, does not lie in the exchange of business cards at a conference but in establishing a long-term relationship that will assist you in your career in the years to come.
You fear the idea of networking, or you never know where to start networking; this guide will help you to know how to network professionally. Some of the practical tips that we will be discussing will include the use of social media, e.g. LinkedIn, and how to maximize the networking events, and how to sustain good professional relationships. At the end of it, you will be ready to develop a network that will not only assist you in attaining your objectives but also assist other people in attaining their objectives. Cmon, let us dive in!
The importance of Networking to Career Growth
Networking refers to the act of meeting with other professionals to share information, establish contacts and develop opportunities. What is the importance of this to career development?
- Discover the Unadvertised Jobs and Businesses: A lot of jobs and business opportunities are never advertised. Research shows that almost 80 per cent of the jobs are secured with the help of personal and professional contacts.
- Get Important Information and Advice: Talking to people in your field can give you information about trends, jobs, and skills that are very desirable.
- Build Your Brand: A good network means that other people can vouch for your abilities, you are more visible, and you have a better chance of becoming credible in your area.
You have been made aware of the need to network, so here is how you can go about it.
1. Begin with a Well-defined Plan
It is also necessary to determine your goals before you start networking. Having an idea of what you want will enable you to network with a purpose.
- Define Your Objectives:
Ask yourself what you expect to accomplish. Do you want to find a mentor? Wishing to get a new job in your sphere? Wanting to get advice on how to enter a certain industry? Knowing what you want will enable you to concentrate.
- Find Who To Connect to:
Begin by sketching the kind of individuals that you can use to attain your goals. This may be fellow employees, former students of your college or even individuals in the field you would like to work in.
Write your objectives and the action plans to realize them. This will help you be organized in the process of networking.
2. The Use of Social Media Platforms
Social media has changed the way professionals relate, and now it is possible to network anywhere. Social media such as LinkedIn can be priceless when used with a purpose.
Make Your LinkedIn Profile the Best
To produce an impression on the internet, ensure your LinkedIn profile is a shiny and professional one. It has to make you appear as a professional who is trustworthy and easy to converse with.
- Make use of a Professional Photo:
Photos on profiles attract many more views than profiles without photos. Take a recent good-quality photograph of yourself in which you appear friendly and confident.
- Write an Interesting Headline:
Use your headline to point out your expertise or career aim instead of mentioning your title. As an example, it can be the following: Aspiring Marketing Specialist | Skilled in Content Strategy and Social Media.
- Write a Good Punch line:
Add some lines concerning your experience, skills, and desire. This is a chance to express your personality.
Be Active and Engaged
- Connect Thoughtfully:
Do not make any random connection requests. Make them personal by adding a brief note as to why you would like to get in touch.
- Engage Regularly:
Comment, like and share posts to make yourself visible. You should not be afraid to share your knowledge by making your posts or sharing tips about the industry.
- Participate in Groups:
Follow up on LinkedIn groups that are related to your profession and post in them to demonstrate your knowledge and establish networks.
Just keep in mind that social media networking is not about having as many connections as you can; it is about making real connections with people.
3. Learn how to go to Networking Parties
One of the best environments to start new professional relationships is through networking events. Career fairs, industry conferences, local meetups, and so on are excellent chances to meet like-minded people.
Pre Event
- Research Ahead of Time:
Get acquainted with the program of the event and the people. Where possible, find out key attendees whom you would like to meet.
- Write down an Elevator Pitch:
Your elevator pitch is a 60-second summary of your identity, your business and what you want. Rehearse it so that it sounds natural; this is your opening act.
- Bring Business Cards:
Ensure that your cards contain current information and use them at the right time.
During the Event
- Be Approachable:
Smile, look in the eyes and do not be afraid to introduce yourself. When people feel that someone is friendly and remembers them, they are relaxed.
- Ask Questions:
It is not about selling yourself but being interested in the person you are talking to. Ask them questions regarding what they do, what they have experienced and what they are passionate about.
- Set a Goal:
Enter the event with an objective, e.g. to meet five new contacts or to gather three follow-up contacts.
After the Event
The aftermath of networking events is the most crucial element of it. Follow up with your new contacts within a short time to strengthen them.
- Write them a personal email or LinkedIn message to thank them for their time. Speak of something special in your talk to show that you were listening.
Effective follow-ups will make you a person who appreciates the relationship.
4. Establish Fruitful, Long-term Relationships
Networking does not mean having a huge number of people connected with you on LinkedIn or the number of business cards that you have picked up at a social gathering. It is worthwhile to build good relationships over time. These are some of the ways that you can keep your professional relationships long after you first met:
- Keep in Touch:
Do not wait to get in touch when you need something. Write a short message to say hello, congratulate on a new job or a helpful article.
- Be a Giver:
Networking ought to be a two-way traffic. Help, give your expertise, and open opportunities to others whenever possible. Human beings tend to assist a person who has assisted them.
- Remember Milestones:
Be it a birthday, an anniversary at work or any other milestone, recognition of such makes relationships more significant.
Good relationships are time-consuming and costly, but worth it in the long term. When you have invested in your network, they will feel invested in you.
5. Avoid Networking Problems and Fears
Are you intimidated by the idea of networking? You are not the first one. A lot of professionals are unable to initiate or are embarrassed to contact. The following are some of the ways to get through these typical obstacles:
- Start Small:
Begin with the people you already know, like your colleagues or peers and go outwards.
- Focus on Listening:
Networking is easy when you are not so much worried about impressing people, but rather you are keen on knowing about people.
- Practice Makes Perfect:
The networking can be trained, and as with any other skill, it improves. The more you rehearse, the more confident you will get. Any practice, even if not perfect, will help you to feel confident and comfortable in professional relations.
Final Thoughts
Being a networking pro is not all about landing your dream job or closing a business deal; it is about building long term relationships that can support and nourish your career in the long term. Having the correct intentions, the application of such tools as LinkedIn, the possibility to visit events with a purpose, and the will to maintain the right connections, you will be able to create a professional network that will be effective and fulfilling.
Do something today: send a personal LinkedIn request, visit a local career fair or call an old colleague. The relationships that you begin to establish now can determine your career success within the following years. Happy networking!
