Here are the top ten ways to network your way to success.
We all know networking is a way to grow in your career. As someone said, your network is your net worth.
A strong network is a competitive differentiator when it comes to growing your business, finding a job, and building your long-term career.
Since who you know is far more important than what you know, why not take the time to build a network? But you have to build a network of professionals who matter.
With email, social networks, and video communications, the network can happen online and in the real work. The fact is you have to treat every meeting as an opportunity to network and strengthen relationships.
But networking is not about always asking for something or selling non-stop. Build a network of professionals who you like to interact, not just because they may give some business or help you find a job. That will be too apparent, and you will lose real supporters.
Now, let’s take a look at the top ten ways to network to power your career.
Top Ten Ways to Network:
01
Examine your current informal networks.
Think beyond your followers are LinkedIn. While that is important, casting your net far and wide will yield better results. You may already know someone well-connected and hence try to connect with them. Think about all of your friends, family, neighbors, and coworkers. Consider your entire social network where you may find professional contacts. Don’t forget the religious place of worship and your social clubs, et al. Are you leveraging those contacts effectively?
02
Networking is not connecting and forgetting.
The key to effective networking is maintaining consistency and being persistent. Periodic and methodical touch base is important. Setting aside a quiet hour for outreach will be a great investment in your future.
03
Connect with Civic Groups and Trade Bodies.
Whether you’re an architect, a pharmacist, a policewoman, a teacher, or a firefighter, priest, school teacher, or a handyman, some organizations cater to your needs and interests. Join them and participate actively. In many cases, your employer will foot the bill, or if you are self-employed, it may be a tax deduction. Do some research and see what you can find.
04
Leverage social media.
Use Linkedin.com to the hilt. Even the “social” social networks can be a fertile ground to make and build connections. Try to make it a habit to connect with five new people each week.
05
Mingle and Shake Hands.
Sitting in the back of a room and nursing a drink will not get you the relationships you need to succeed. You can’t just stand in the middle of the crowd at a networking event and expect people to line up for the privilege of talking to you. The burden is on you to start conversations. Take the lead and mingle. While it isn’t rocket science, it will take practice to network with ease.
06
Listening and Asking is a better way to conversation.
Don’t dominate a conversation telling them all about you. And don’t just ask yes or no questions. Ask open-ended questions. Listen intently and understand. You can have a great conversation without talking too much.
Once in a blue moon communication won’t cut in building sustainable and valuable networks. Stay in touch regularly. Find reasons to reach out.
08
What you sow is what you reap.
You truly receive what you give when it comes to networking. You won’t get much if you don’t give much. Make a real effort to help others.
It is not the quantity but quality that matters. Passing out your business card like candy will not result in high-value connections. Don’t just throw darts and see what sticks. Make a concerted effort to network with people who mean something to you and to whom you mean something.
We don’t mean arranging dates, even though that may work on occasion. It is about connecting one connection to another for mutual benefit. For example, introduce an attorney to another connection who is starting a business — or suggest one of your friends for a job at another friend’s company.
