EMPOWERING YOUNG MINDS
A
Guide
To
Networking
What is networking and why is it so important?
Networking is about building relationships. A lot of people use networking as a face-to-face cold-call opportunity—they’re just passing out cards. But it really starts with getting to know another person. The key is to engage with them: Ask what the person does, what their job is like, what they enjoy about it. And listen more than you talk. When people feel heard, they feel connected. No one is going to refer you for an internship, job or business deal until they know who you are.
A networking relationship helps you develop meaningful connections that assist you with advancing your career or pursuing a project in collaboration with others. So, to network, in short, is to really build relationships with industry peers and leaders in order to grow in your field of work or study.
Job searching today relies heavily on networking. Despite being intimidating, networking can prove to be extremely beneficial. While most people network online more than they do in person, not everyone really knows how to do this well. Choosing to connect with new people through LinkedIn, Facebook Groups or other digital platforms like WhatsApp Groups and Instagram are all great ways to build your business network.
Many people connect with industry peers through Twitter that have similar interests and talking points. Online networking is easy and free. This is a great place to tell users a story about your website and let them know more about what you offer. You may want to share information about your company's background, your team, or the services you provide. Be sure to keep the tone and voice consistent throughout the site so users become familiar with your brand.
Online and Offline Networking Tips
1 - Connect often; with or without a job.
Networking is often overlooked until a person is seeking employment. However, it is beneficial to start networking before experiencing job loss, as building a network takes time. Starting early makes it easier to reach out for new opportunities when needed. Engaging with LinkedIn or Facebook posts, or participating in forums, are simple ways to connect with others. Following companies of interest and interacting with their content and job postings can also be effective.
2 - Choose your network wisely.
It is important to connect with a variety of people, not only those who may be able to assist you. Making powerful connections is not always necessary. Sometimes, forming friendships or acquaintances can be beneficial. Being connected with peers helps maintain engagement in your profession and provides a sense of belonging within the industry.
3 - Be active in your groups and communities.
Engaging actively in online communities provides you with a platform to voice your opinions and offers continuous opportunities for networking. Merely following numerous individuals and waiting for them to reach out to you is insufficient. It is incumbent upon you to proactively seek connections. Identify where professionals in your industry congregate online and participate accordingly. For networking purposes, Twitter and LinkedIn are highly recommended platforms.
4 - Cultivate a confident mindset.
Do not hesitate to engage in conversations with others. One effective approach is to ask questions, such as, "What do you enjoy most about your profession?"
5 - Categorize your contacts.
Go through your databases, including contacts listed on Outlook and in your phone, and categorize your contacts as active (friends and family), passive (professors, neighbours, friends who graduated ahead of you) and dormant (high school teachers, former employers). Start with active contacts: people who know and trust you. Then proceed to the passive contacts: people who are familiar with you. Finally, address the dormant contacts: these are people you knew but have lost touch with over time. Start with the closest connections and work your way down.
6 - Prepare Ahead.
Schedule appointments in advance. Prepare a resume with your contact information, and consider having business cards made. Ensure you have proofread your resume before making copies. To manage the large amount of information, establish an organized system.
7 - Ask Questions and Listen Actively.
Do not hesitate to initiate a conversation. Ask open-ended questions that encourage dialogue. Keep in mind that networking is about cultivating relationships, not merely establishing contacts. It is important for individuals to feel that their experiences and opinions are valued and acknowledged.
8 - Ask for Help.
The person you are networking with may have been a college student at some point. Asking for advice can provide valuable insights from someone who has experienced a similar process. People generally appreciate being asked for help as it signifies that their opinion is valued and they are seen as good sources of information. It is beneficial to communicate clearly with your contacts that you are seeking information and advice rather than expecting them to have a job for you.
9 - Expand Your Online Presence.
Establishing connections online can serve as an effective networking strategy. Platforms such as LinkedIn, Twitter, blogs, and other social media sites provide valuable opportunities to gain insights into your career trajectory and to engage with individuals and professional associations. By maintaining an active profile on these platforms, you ensure that you remain informed about the latest developments in the field, including hiring trends and job opportunities.
10 - Be Conscious of Your Digital Image.
It is crucial to be mindful of your online presence when using networking tools. Employers may review your social media profiles during the screening process. To maintain a professional online identity, set your accounts on social networking platforms, such as Facebook, to private or remove any questionable content, including blog entries, photos, quotes, comments, and applications. Ensure that you present a positive online image. It may also be beneficial to conduct a Google search of your name to review the results and adjust your privacy settings accordingly.
11 - Attend Networking Events.
Seek out industry-specific conferences, seminars, workshops, and meetups in your region. Participate in these events to connect with professionals within your field. Consider joining local business or professional organizations, such as chambers of commerce or associations specific to your industry, and actively engaging in their events and activities. You might want to volunteer for events or committees within these organizations to increase your visibility.
12 - Alumni Associations.
Utilize your alumni network. Numerous universities and colleges have alumni associations that provide networking events and resources.
13 - Networking Within Your Current Job.
Do not overlook your current workplace as a valuable networking resource. Cultivating relationships with colleagues, supervisors, and clients can result in future employment opportunities and references.
14 - Maintain and Nurture Relationships.
Maintain regular communication with your professional network, even when you are not actively seeking employment. Provide occasional updates, offer congratulations on their achievements, or simply check in to inquire about their well-being.
Networking is a continuous activity, not limited to periods of job searching. Establishing and maintaining relationships requires time and should be initiated early and sustained throughout one's career. A well-developed network can serve as a valuable resource for job searches and professional growth.