8 tips for effective networking
Networking with your peers and colleges is a great way to grow in your industry. Not only can you learn valuable tips, but you can also connect with new contacts or connections. Networking may seem tricky at first, but adding these tips into your arsenal will greatly benefit you and your career.
1: Use social media to your advantage:
Social media is not simply for friendships; instead, you can use social media to get to know other contacts. Why this works is because it eliminates the pressure and tension of a face-to-face meet up. It’s also a way in which you can respond to communications on your time and not pressured to make an immediate decision about something.
Many professionals use LinkedIn to network with peers and other professionals, some also use the likes of Twitter or Google Plus. To create engagement, you can like or comment on a post uploaded by them. These communications will come in handy when you actually get to meet in person, you can refer to this and not be complete strangers.
2: Meet people through word of mouth (through other people)
As the saying goes, “it’s not what you know but who you know”. This is very true especially with close-knit networks as some people refer colleagues they know to other peers and in this way, you not only network but also even stand an opportunity to land a new job. If you meet people through other people, there’s a lot of mutual ground and it breaks down some barriers, setting the tone for a friendlier meeting. When you meet through people you know, there’s no need to be a complete nervous wreck!
3: Use your resume to your advantage
So, you’ve already got your resume in place and have been using it in your search for a new venture or job. However, you can do more with your resume than apply for jobs. You could ask your network to have a look and give you some advice on how to improve your resume. However, this is a good way to show off your achievements because you never know if they may need your expertise in their company.
4: Don’t waste time
In business, we know that time is money! With that said, when you choose to network with some of your contacts, keep the meeting focused on a goal. In other words, have your plan in place and stick to it. Everyone is busy, and keeping the meeting time-focused is essential.
5: Don’t directly ask for a job
Asking for a job directly is not a very “flattering” thing to do and sometimes this requires a degree of tactfulness. So, instead of rushing someone by asking for a job, instead, ask them for tips and information that may help you in your search for the ideal job. Show confidence while you’re learning and establish a relationship with your contact because they may just be the one to refer you to your next high-paying gig.
#6: Be a good listener
When you network, you may have many things to discuss with your peers, but one of the most important things to remember is to listen. Being a good listener and allowing them the opportunity to speak is going to help you pick up on some important tips and valuable information. You could also ask them some information and by this learn what they have to offer your business.
7: have a reason to stay in touch and follow up
When your network meeting comes to a close, it shouldn’t simply end there. You can stay in touch as this person or individuals may have some insightful benefits for your company and career as you venture forward. So don’t simply leave it to this one meeting, instead, look for an excuse to follow up. Some experts suggest that you ought to connect 2ce or 3ce each year with the members of your network. You never know what opportunities lay in store for you through being in touch with them.
8: Always say thank you
As a good and very insightful meeting or network session comes to an end, don’t forget to say thank you. Remember that person or people took time out of their busy schedules and day to meet or simply speak with you whether it was a phone call, meeting, or function. You can offer your assistance to them as they may need you and you can and thank them for sharing their valuable information with you.
Bonus Tip: Dress for success!
No matter where you go when it comes to representing your brand and self-worth then you need to dress for success! People tend to remember the little things in life like what perfume you wore, or how you styled your hair and so forth. Remember to dress for success and to put your best foot forward, because you never know the success story waiting to happen to you!
1: Use social media to your advantage:
Social media is not simply for friendships; instead, you can use social media to get to know other contacts. Why this works is because it eliminates the pressure and tension of a face-to-face meet up. It’s also a way in which you can respond to communications on your time and not pressured to make an immediate decision about something.
Many professionals use LinkedIn to network with peers and other professionals, some also use the likes of Twitter or Google Plus. To create engagement, you can like or comment on a post uploaded by them. These communications will come in handy when you actually get to meet in person, you can refer to this and not be complete strangers.
2: Meet people through word of mouth (through other people)
As the saying goes, “it’s not what you know but who you know”. This is very true especially with close-knit networks as some people refer colleagues they know to other peers and in this way, you not only network but also even stand an opportunity to land a new job. If you meet people through other people, there’s a lot of mutual ground and it breaks down some barriers, setting the tone for a friendlier meeting. When you meet through people you know, there’s no need to be a complete nervous wreck!
3: Use your resume to your advantage
So, you’ve already got your resume in place and have been using it in your search for a new venture or job. However, you can do more with your resume than apply for jobs. You could ask your network to have a look and give you some advice on how to improve your resume. However, this is a good way to show off your achievements because you never know if they may need your expertise in their company.
4: Don’t waste time
In business, we know that time is money! With that said, when you choose to network with some of your contacts, keep the meeting focused on a goal. In other words, have your plan in place and stick to it. Everyone is busy, and keeping the meeting time-focused is essential.
5: Don’t directly ask for a job
Asking for a job directly is not a very “flattering” thing to do and sometimes this requires a degree of tactfulness. So, instead of rushing someone by asking for a job, instead, ask them for tips and information that may help you in your search for the ideal job. Show confidence while you’re learning and establish a relationship with your contact because they may just be the one to refer you to your next high-paying gig.
#6: Be a good listener
When you network, you may have many things to discuss with your peers, but one of the most important things to remember is to listen. Being a good listener and allowing them the opportunity to speak is going to help you pick up on some important tips and valuable information. You could also ask them some information and by this learn what they have to offer your business.
7: have a reason to stay in touch and follow up
When your network meeting comes to a close, it shouldn’t simply end there. You can stay in touch as this person or individuals may have some insightful benefits for your company and career as you venture forward. So don’t simply leave it to this one meeting, instead, look for an excuse to follow up. Some experts suggest that you ought to connect 2ce or 3ce each year with the members of your network. You never know what opportunities lay in store for you through being in touch with them.
8: Always say thank you
As a good and very insightful meeting or network session comes to an end, don’t forget to say thank you. Remember that person or people took time out of their busy schedules and day to meet or simply speak with you whether it was a phone call, meeting, or function. You can offer your assistance to them as they may need you and you can and thank them for sharing their valuable information with you.
Bonus Tip: Dress for success!
No matter where you go when it comes to representing your brand and self-worth then you need to dress for success! People tend to remember the little things in life like what perfume you wore, or how you styled your hair and so forth. Remember to dress for success and to put your best foot forward, because you never know the success story waiting to happen to you!
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