Networking Tips for the New Year
The term networking can turn some people off, let alone the act itself. Whether you’re nodding in agreement or not, at least one piece of information below will hopefully be useful to you. It might help to think of networking as meeting new (and often times interesting) people. Here are some tips to help you dust off your networking (a.k.a. people meeting) skills in 2010:
1. Networking can be learned
Harvey Mackay is a master networker and author of the book Dig Your Well Before You’re Thirsty (which is highly recommended by the way). He says that learning how to network is kind of like learning how to swim. It can be scary and unnatural at first, but with practice and time, it becomes easier and even enjoyable!
Give yourself small and achievable goals when you’re just getting started; here are some examples:
- Add five connections to your LinkedIn account each month
- Meet one new person to add to your network every two weeks
- Talk to three people at a mixer or company event
Approaching networking in palatable chunks can help you get your feet wet and build your confidence at the same time.
2. Use your network to find a mentor
As a young professional, you have a lot to learn. And the best way to do that in many cases is through the help of an older, more experienced mentor. Think about people you know and respect at work, among your family connections, or through your university alumni club. Approach one of these individuals who you think would like to act as a professional advisor to you. The best way to do this is to explain why you admire them and what you hope to learn from them.
The act of networking includes asking questions and learning about others. Who doesn’t love to talk about themselves? Assuming your potential mentor likes you, they’ll probably jump at the chance to meet with you over lunch or coffee and share their experiences with you.
Cultivate these relationships in your network now, and continue talking with your mentor every few months (even if it’s just a quick e-mail or phone call). Many mentors have opened doors for their younger mentees over the lifetime of their relationships. This is one aspect of networking that you don’t want to miss out on. And remember, you’ll want to be receptive to mentoring others down the road!
3. Networking is everywhere
Every encounter with a stranger or current contact is an opportunity to network. You never know who you’ll end up meeting each day, so remember to always be polite to the new people you meet (and try to ask them a few get-to-know-you questions if the opportunity arises).
Here are some great ways to expand your network:
- University alumni clubs – join yours today and attend the scheduled events when you can.
- Other departments at work – become a “go to” person in your company by making connections outside of your department. This makes you more valuable to your employer, and it gives you options should you ever want to make a lateral move within your current organization.
- Social groups – look for local sport or social groups to join. Examples include dancing, softball, flag football, soccer, adventure trips, and trivia nights. Consider signing up for a team or event with just one friend; after all, you could make five or ten new friends and contacts!
- Charity events – volunteering is a great way to give back to the community and expand your network at the same time. Focus on organizations that are aligned with both your personal and professional interests.
4. Networking requires homework
If you are introduced to a new connection by a member of your current network, make sure you do your homework before making contact. Conduct a search via Google, twitter, facebook, and LinkedIn. Know what they do and what makes them tick. Do you see something that sparks an instant connection between you and this person? Perhaps they went to your alma mater, grew up in the same town, worked for the same company in the past, or root for the same sports team.
Your goal is to know who you’ll be talking with, and in many cases, these pre-determined points of similarity will make you more memorable to your new contact. This tip can help you take your networking skills to the next level.
5. Networking is a two-way street
The most important thing to remember about networking is that it’s a reciprocal act.
View networking as what you can do for others, not what you’ll get out of it. The more you help others, the more assistance and value you’ll gain from these contacts in the future. Get into the habit of asking others what they need, and many times, you will be asked the same question in return.
Happy New Year and Happy Networking!
By: Gale Bowman
1-06-2010
After graduating from Notre Dame, Gale realized that young professionals need a source of reliable information as they face “real world” challenges. Gale manages WhatCollegeForgot.com and is pursuing an MBA at the University of Chicago Booth School of Business.
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