Network Right!
5 Easy Tips to Remove the Stress out of Networking
"It’s all in who you know." This phrase speaks to the importance of networking for your career. In the job market, networking is something that can be intimidating and often feels forced upon us. However, something to remember as we begin to dread the next “meet & greet happy hour” is as long as we are genuine and approach people with the right tactics, we will walk away with valuable connections for our professional network. Read up on five effective techniques to help you strategize, go in with a confident plan, and take the stress out of networking!
1. Use connections that you already have! Sometimes all we need is a push in the right direction or someone to take us under their wing. That’s why this is the #1 tip for networking! It may seem obvious, but you’d be surprised how many people forget to reach out to their existing connections for help and guidance. You’ve already met and built a relationship, and through the referral system, you are entitled to meet your connection’s network. Regular communication with your existing network also helps to strengthen and reinforce your relationships, (and is recommended to occur 2-3 times per year), killing two birds with one stone! For example:
You are going to a networking event hosted by a local association: Try emailing your connection to “touch base” and inform them that you’ve signed up to go to this networking event. Odds are, this connection is either:
Also going to the event and will be excited to see you there
Knows someone at the event that they can introduce you to
Can advise who to meet when you get there, and may offer to put in a good word for you.
Industry professionals regularly assume mentor roles and are always willing to help where they can.
2. Identify networking goals - You need to choose people to network with who align with your career goals. Why are you networking? Why did you choose them to reach out to? Not all goals have to be a job; networking can be informative, for higher education assistance, or for collaboration. These are things that you want to identify in an email or direct message when you reach out to request a meeting. Highlighting how their experience or current position relates to your career aspirations will show that you did research before sending a generic email. Each connection should count, and taking these measures will ensure this!
3. Set A Numeric Goal - If you are the type of person that gets overwhelmed by the idea of talking to strangers and selling yourself, try setting a goal of how many people you’ll talk to. If the event is two hours long, attempt to talk to five people. The trick is to ensure that you hold yourself accountable. You can also have a friend to arrive and leave the event with. Although it may be tempting to do so, do NOT network in twos - this can result in one person running the conversation while the other person standing quietly, or it can come off as too competitive. Think of your friend as a support only, not as your partner for the event. Networking is important, but it should not cause you stress. Use goal setting techniques and the support of friends and colleagues to overcome and make the best connections possible!
4. Don’t ask for a job! - You’re right in thinking that asking for a job is uncomfortable- so don’t do it! Instead, ask for feedback on your resume and cover letter, or for volunteer opportunities. This will show that you see networking as a means to enrich your career in ways other than a job. By asking for advice and volunteer opportunities, you represent yourself in a professional manner and leave the floor open for the other person to come through with providing information and assistance. According to numerous sources, volunteering has been ranked among the top ways to network. Volunteering, professional development, and community engagement are both activities that will set you apart from other perspective job candidates as well. Another perk to this technique is asking for advice on your resume and cover letter ensures that someone is looking at it - the ideal outcome of networking! You have also given yourself a reason to follow up, which is key to solidifying the connection.
5. Follow Up! Although this seems like a give-in, you’d be surprised how many people do not do it! You should have received a business card from them in person, or you should have connected with them on LinkedIn the day after the event. You can either email or call them to set up a meeting for resume feedback, or you can message them on LinkedIn. If you aren’t sure of what to do next, thanking them for speaking with you will be great in solidifying your relationship and being remembered as a genuine and professional individual. As you follow up, remind your new connection what you have to offer. This helps them see that they’d be lucky to work with you in the future.
On top of all of these tips and tricks, it is also important to be genuine and have fun! Networking should be seen as an exciting opportunity to expand your professional horizons! Even if you don’t love talking to people, don’t you love making progress in your career? Being personable and genuine in each conversation will ensure that all your new connections will look forward to a follow up email or phone call to strengthen the relationship.
Check out just a few of the awesome professional networking organizations in Pittsburgh:
Pittsburgh Professional Women
Pittsburgh Young Professionals
Pittsburgh Human Resources Association
Pittsburgh Technology Council
Pittsburgh Executives Association
Global Pittsburgh
Center of Influence
Pittsburgh Social Venture
If you need more ideas on planning your attack for networking events, or want to read about more tips and tricks, visit these links below! They’re sure to help you in your goals to connect!
https://www.projectmanager.com/blog/best-networking-tips
http://www.scienceofpeople.com/networking/