Networking is all about making the connections – the right connections. Keep in mind that networking can take place just about anywhere – after work drinks, on holiday, at your local café, while watching your kids play sports at school, formal networking breakfasts and conferences, and of course online.
Whether you have switched continents, countries, states or towns; are just starting out or changing careers, you will need to harness every possibility to get yourself out there. While some of your networking will be done face-to-face and some online don’t forget the power of word of mouth.
What to do:
- Make a list of every single person you know – don’t forget the hairdresser, the plumber, the real estate agent, the mail person, family and friends. Let them know what you are doing in your new business or what job you are searching for and give them a card in case they meet someone who can use your services or has a vacancy.
- Let everyone on your online networks know which direction you are taking in your new venture. But before you put yourself out there create a riveting profile – clear, simple, correct (CSC). If you are not sure how to do this go online and check out posts with the best profiles for Facebook/Twitter/LinkedIn etc. (Check out this website offers these services, MyCareerFocus.com)
- Arrive at the event early so you get to speak to more people as they arrive.
- Channel your courage and talk to people at more formal networking events–but start with something of current interest or ask them about their hobbies, sports, or travel experiences.
- A genuine friendly smile helps a lot; and listen carefully.
- Have sufficient business cards and make sure to jot the date and event you met at on the back, it is also a plus to have a photo on the business card. Help them remember you!
- Enthusiasm is contagious – so engage your listener and share tips, advice, and offer help, which will spark the same kind of reaction.
- Keep plugging away – it takes time to build up networks. Psyche yourself up and keep putting yourself out there.
- Networking means following up. –If you were given a card follow up within three days.
- The event organizer is the one who knows everyone – get to know and offer assistance to the organizer who can help with introductions.
What not to do: - Don’t think people aren’t watching you – from the moment you make your entrance keep your poise and dress appropriately.
- Don’t oversell yourself – engage in more general conversation until you are both comfortable.
- Don’t go into networking cold – prepare yourself with some background knowledge of the people you may be meeting, their business and some questions to get the conversation going.
- Monitor your alcohol consumption. Don’t get drunk – it will ruin your image.
- Don’t come across as a big shot– you will gain far more with a humble approach. Bragging is boring!
- Don’t talk too much – give the other people a chance to share their knowledge – after all that is what you want isn’t it?
- Don’t get too cozy with one person – you are there to mingle – so excuse yourself and find more people to connect with.
- Don’t be upset if someone on social media doesn’t respond. It’s a numbers game – the more invites you put out the more responses – so to get 10 yeses you may have to put out 50 invites.
- Don’t ever gossip or say anything negative about someone – on social media or in real life. Keep conversations as positive as possible and doors will open.
- Don’t give out business cards like confetti – establish first whether you really do want to connect and perhaps work with the person before asking for their card first!
Do you have a topic suggestion? Share it with us in the comments!
