By: Sandy Luu
Networking is a social skill that everyone should learn to develop and master since it is the key to being successful in the real world for the future. Having the ability to network can introduce you to many new things just by simply talking to people. But, it can also be difficult. The purpose of networking is to exchange information with people, getting advice, referrals, etc. Usually, these contacts can help assist you in achieving your dream job. If you want to go in that direction, then you should follow these three tips.
Be Prepared
Take the time before a gathering to prepare yourself. You want to be ready to introduce yourself to people you’ve never met before. Or maybe you do know them, but you are not too familiar with them. Prep an elevator speech if you’d like to showcase what you bring to the table when you are discussing about a job. Find topics to discuss if you run out of things to say. But mainly, find ways to talk about yourself without feeling nervous.
Sharing Is Caring
Get yourself out there. As you are talking to someone , ask them if they don’t mind sharing any advice or tips/tricks with you on their experiences. This is a way for you to be able to learn more about the position and how you can get hired there too. Also, share your professional social media if you have any, like LinkedIn, websites, blogs, etc. Click here to learn more about using LinkedIn to network. Once you connect with one another and you feel like they are the ones that can help further your career, try to maintain that connection.
Stick Out
You want to make yourself someone that people would remember. Try to stand out apart from other people. People come and go, but telling them an interesting fact about yourself or a story that demonstrates your success can make you more noticeable. Also, being confident can be another trait that people would notice as well.
All in all, knowing how to network can be a helpful tool that can determine your success in the future. Meeting and following up with the right people can help you immensely as you continue on in life. Before closing off with a person, remember to thank them and let them know that you enjoyed talking to them. So what are you waiting for? Go ahead and start preparing before your next networking event!
Sources:
Arruda, W. (2017, February 5). LinkedIn 201: How To Cultivate A Powerful Network. Retrieved February 21, 2019, from https://www.forbes.com/sites/williamarruda/2017/02/05/linkedin-201-how-to-cultivate-a-powerful-network/1#6cd5c365422b
Hendricks, D. (2014, August 21). 6 Ways To Network More Effectively. Retrieved February 21, 2019, from https://www.forbes.com/sites/drewhendricks/2014/08/21/6-ways-to-network-more-effectively/#2559e2ee648e
Levinson, M. (2017, August 24). How to network: 17 tips for shy people. Retrieved February 21, 2019, from https://www.cio.com/article/3219704/careers-staffing/how-to-network-17-tips-for-shy-people.html
Roberts, E. (2018, February 05). How to network effectively-5 tips for creating new connections.Retrieved February 21, 2019, from https://www.agilitypr.com/pr-news/public-relations/network-effectively-5-tips-creating-new-connections/
Venture For America. (2018, January 11). How to network effectively, without feeling (too) awkward.Retrieved February 21, 2019, from https://medium.com/office-hours/how-to-network-effectively-without-feeling-too-awkward-6b9f3ba9f967
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