Do you hesitate to network for fear of coming out as obnoxious, pushy, or self-serving? You shouldn’t be. When networking, the aim is to connect and establish relationships with people, including those you already know, those you don’t know, and new people you’ve never met. It is not about taking advantage of others or aggressively marketing yourself.
What is Networking?
Networking primarily entails getting to know individuals. You are already networking daily everywhere you go, even if you don’t realize it. Each time you introduce yourself to other parents at your child’s school, catch up with a former coworker, strike up a discussion with the person in line next to you, or stop to chat with your neighbor, you are networking. And, your job hunt can be aided by everyone you meet.
Assisting others is another crucial aspect of networking. Humans have an innate desire to interact with other people. You run the risk of isolating yourself, feeling lonely, or even depressed without these relationships. Therefore, the true purpose of networking ought to be cultivating new connections and nurturing your current ones. Wondering how to network outside the job setting? Keep reading.
1. Stay in touch with former schoolmates
First on today’s list is to attend school reunions. Utilizing alumni associations is an underappreciated way of maintaining connections, yet it is highly effective. People end up in places you never know. Therefore, you’ll be surprised to discover that a company you’re interested in has employed your former classmate.
LinkedIn also offers an excellent way of locating former classmates online. So, once you’re done playing online fruit slots after going through the A-Z Slots Terms Glossary, consider going on LinkedIn and doing a quick search. Subsequently, extend the personal invitation to connect and follow up to arrange a face-to-face meeting.
2. Be confident
If you project confidence, you can navigate a networking event skillfully and make more beneficial contacts. Practice your answers to typical questions you might hear when meeting new people at a networking event, like “Tell me about yourself” and “How long have you been in this industry?” Having a prepared response will guarantee a seamless delivery.
During such events, strike up a discussion with the next person, make eye contact the entire time, stand up straight, and give a solid handshake when necessary. These nonverbal communication styles convey confidence and can facilitate conversational flow.
3. Establish your goal before you begin networking
Networking works better when you have defined career and employer goals. A generic “please let me know when you hear of something” request is not very effective in generating leads. Although you might believe that being open to all options will improve your chances of landing a job, this “openness” actually produces a black hole that drains the connection’s networking potential.
Making a generic request for a job through networking is worse than not requesting at all since you risk losing that new opportunity and contact. It is considerably easier for the networking source to ask for specific leads or information.
You can ask your family and close friends for support if you’re struggling to focus your job hunt, but wait to reach out to acquaintances and more distant members within your network after establishing specific goals.
4. Reciprocate
Always keep in mind that successful networking is a two-way street. Building mutually beneficial relationships is your ultimate goal. That implies both giving and receiving. Thank them, forward an item you believe they would find interesting, inquire about their family, and follow up regularly to find out how they are doing.
You will create a solid network of people you can rely on for suggestions, criticism, counsel, and support by fostering the relationship during your job hunt and beyond.
5. Become a keynote speaker
In keeping with the significance of attending seminars and conventions, volunteering to talk on a subject you are particularly interested in and on which you can impart knowledge or insights can help you get your name out there and establish yourself as an “expert” in your field.
Offer to give a conference presentation or write a piece for a newsletter or professional journal. As soon as you establish yourself as an “expert” in your field, people will start to seek you out and support you in expanding your professional network. Never undervalue the significance of maintaining strong connections within your professional network.
6. Schedule quality time with key contacts
Make a list of individuals you know who are essential to your network and who have the potential to be highly valuable to you. Inevitably, there will be some that you haven’t heard from. After you’ve reconnected, arrange a regular phone conversation or meeting.
7. Attend new events
If you are a regular attendee at the same networking event, you might find it beneficial to branch out and meet new people with different interests. There are many online resources available to help you find new networking opportunities. For example, if you are a college alum, there may be a website that lists upcoming networking events.
Final thoughts
Networking effectively is a skill you build over time, and if you are nervous about networking, these seven strategies will help you create meaningful connections and land the job you want.
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