When most people think about networking they think it’s all about landing a job. Although networking is a valuable tool when on the job hunt, it’s not the only use for it. If you have been working happily in your position for several years, you probably connect with many people on a regular basis.
What would happen if you reached a little further outside of those connections and made some new ones? Many people are fearful of networking or use it for the wrong reasons. Simply put, networking is the development of mutually beneficial relationships. Who couldn’t use more of those?
According to Louise Kursmark, Resume Writer and Career Consultant, (http://www.yourbestimpression.com/) your professional network is the foundation of your success. She reminds us that networking is not all about you. Try viewing networking as an opportunity to help others. In return, when you need assistance you have a familiar connection to reach out to. This can apply to anything from career advice, resources or business suppliers.
We’ve all heard the term ‘it’s who you know’ but consider ‘it’s who knows you’. The purpose of networking is to exchange information, advice and even referrals. It’s not always about your own personal career goals.
As important as networking is, many people still find it intimidating. It can come in various forms, but most often there are professional networking events, such as LABCON, that provide ample networking opportunity. Here are some ways to make the most out of your next networking opportunity:
Set Goals: Whether it is to learn more about a specific company/industry, or to talk to at least three new people. A goal will keep you focused and give you a push to get talking.
Prepare Yourself: Have your ‘elevator pitch’ ready for when someone asks you ‘Tell me about yourself’, so that you aren’t stammering and grasping for words. Showing you’re nervous is okay, forgetting how to speak is not.
Ask Questions: It’s difficult for some people to talk about themselves. Turn that around and be the one asking the questions. Start simple: What do you do? How did you get into that field? What do you love about your work? Most of these are easy to answer, but open-ended. Close-ended questions will get you nowhere.
Keep it Short: After a short conversation with someone you can move on to the next. No one is expecting to have lengthy talks that will eat up their networking time. Find out how you can create a connection and then move on, but not before collecting their contact information.
Follow up: Once you are home or at the office, start following up with your new contacts. Don’t wait too long to send a nice email saying ‘It was nice meeting you’. Continue to stay in contact through select social media, such as LinkedIn or Google+.
Check out the following links for more advice on networking:
http://www.monkeysee.com/play/3779-is-it-important-to-network-when-i-m-not-job-hunting
http://www.infirmation.com/articles/one-article.tcl?article_id=563