Recently I was asked by a major university in New England to be their keynote speaker and share some pointers on networking with their incoming master’s program students. As I drove back to my office I kept thinking about the relevance of the suggestions and recommendations I had made to most professionals (at any stage of their career). Rather than just file that speech away, I decided to synthesize the key points and release another blog.
Before we jump straight into a summarized list of the suggestions and recommendations I made to the students, let’s calibrate, and define networking. One definition: Networking is the process of building and maintaining mutually beneficial relationships that can help you achieve your professional and personal goals.
Suggestions & Recommendations
Get Started
If you have not previously put much energy into building your network, now is the time to start. Building and maintaining a strong network provides myriad advantages.
Networking for Career Opportunities
Even if you are perfectly content in your current position, be opportunistic and let your network know you are open to exploring exciting new roles. Your network can be a great source for job openings that may not yet, or ever, be posted. Getting in early, via a referral, can be a huge advantage.
I would add, your network can also be an incredible resource if things come off the rails and you find yourself out of work. Those who have invested the time to develop a robust network often find their next role – not through a recruiter or job posting – but through their network.
Be Aggressive
I suggest you go beyond the conventional approaches to networking – especially when you are looking for a new job.
Early in my own career I would think about the roles I wanted to land, both inside my current company and elsewhere. I would do some research, figure out who the key players were and reach out directly to them and ask for some time to connect live. Often my outreach, even when I was in more junior roles, was to leaders at the top of the division or corporation. You will be surprised how open most executives are to connecting with others and sharing advice, as well as making warm referrals to hiring managers you ought to meet.
Networking is a Two-way Street
Before you reach out to someone for the purpose of networking consider what you may be able to do for them. Most importantly, be genuine and authentic. People can sense insincerity. Approach networking with the intent to build real, meaningful relationships.
Networking at Structured Events
Set a goal relative to what you want to accomplish at the event.
Prepare in advance. Research the event and its attendees beforehand if possible.
Decide who you want to meet and think about topics of broad interest to bring up that will be likely to spur engagement.
Be approachable. Smile; smile until your cheeks hurt, and then smile some more.
Don’t sit back and miss an opportunity to meet someone new, especially someone who could be a great resource and helpful to you in the future. Walk up to folks and introduce yourself.
Be confident and resilient. Even if you don’t get the receptiveness you hoped for from some folks, don’t be deterred.
Some More Tips on Networking
Craft an Elevator Pitch for networking. Be ready at any moment to share a concise and compelling summary of who you are, what you have done, and what you’re looking to do in the future.
Use what executive coaches call “level two” listening. This means listening intently to what the other person is saying. Focus on them, if you want them to focus on you.
My favorite networking tip is the “3-point play”. By that I mean, every time you reach out to someone for the purpose of networking, ask them for not just one, but two people they would suggest you also contact. Continuing the 3-point approach over and over will allow you to rapidly increase the size of your network.
Be sensitive and culturally aware. Respect differences in communication styles and norms and adapt your approach accordingly.
Follow-Up. After meeting someone who you think can be impactful to your plans and goals, follow up. Take just a few minutes and send a quick text or email shortly after you’ve met with them to stand out and be remembered.
Call to Action
Networking is powerful. It can significantly impact your career and indeed your life.
Start building and nurturing your network today, and you’ll find that your network will become one of your greatest assets.
Be aggressive. Opportunity may come to those who wait, but only what is left behind by those who hustle!
Comments