Valuable Networking Tips for Professional and Personal Growth
This is a popular post I wrote for a another blog I host. Networking is so important for PR professionals, I thought it would be very beneficial to feature on this site. Enjoy!
These days I love to network, but that wasn’t always the case. The thought of walking into a room full of people I didn’t know and trying to make a business connection was scary to me. How do I start a conversation? How do I keep from coming off as pushy? What do I do if I find myself standing around alone?
But once I changed my mindset and implemented some simple techniques, it was not only easy, it was fun. I’ve also found that many of the same practices you use for business networking are also effective for social networking and blogging. Networking has created some amazing opportunities in my life – both professionally and personally.
Many people are intimidated by networking because they associate it with having to be pushy or stepping outside their comfort zone. If you are one of those people who view networking with negative connotations, the first thing you must do is change your mindset.
Networking is NOT:
- About getting a job or sale
- Finding someone with influence to pull strings
- Forcing someone to meet with you and help
Networking IS something most of us do naturally every day even though we may not realize it. Networking is:
- Developing long term relationships
- Making introductions
- Two interested parties swapping information
- Welcomed by most people!
Where to network?
It’s important to remember that networking doesn’t just happen at business events. While industry events, conferences and professional associations are great places to publicize your services and look for business and professional opportunities, many of the best networking scenarios happen off the convention floor. Parties, sporting events and organized social groups are excellent venues for building your contact base. I was once introduced to a number of valuable professional contacts at a baseball game I went to with a colleague.
Who should you network with?
Everyone! The reason networking is a way of life for me is because some of the best professional and personal opportunities have come through friends, vendors and acquaintances. For example:
- I found my current position at a company I’ve always wanted to work for through a close friend who knew I was job hunting.
- My financial planner recently introduced me to an exciting professional growth seminar I will be attending next month.
- An old colleague who switched careers to become an interior decorator gave me an amazing price when I asked her to remodel my place. In return, she has secured three more decorating jobs through leads I’ve sent her, which brings me to the next point.
Help other people
I regularly have lunch with colleagues (who are now friends) in my industry and one of the things I always ask is, “How can I help you?” A good majority of the time people aren’t trying to sell you something, but rather they are interested in an introduction, want to trade industry information or are soliciting advice. All these things are very easy to provide and make a big impression. Remember that networking is a two-way street and by not asking how you can help someone, you may miss the opportunity to strengthen a valuable relationship.
Below is some information to help you be more successful networking at industry events. As you read though the rest of this post, think about how you can also use these tips and suggestions to build your network outside of work. Happy networking!
Preparation
Before going to a networking event, it is important to prepare. Ask yourself these questions:
- Are you up on the latest industry happenings?
- Who is the audience attending the event?
- What are you hoping to accomplish?
- Have you contacted people in your network to let them know you will be at the event?
- Can you say what your company does or what service you offer in less than 30 seconds?
- Do you have business cards (a good tip is to always keep a box of business cards in your car)?
Breaking the ice
If you are at an event with other colleagues, split up. The tendency is to stick close to those you know, but by doing so, you won’t have the opportunity to meet new people. And if you are by yourself, don’t worry because undoubtedly there are others in the same situation who will appreciate the effort you make to speak with them. It’s important to remember that the main event is face-to-face meetings, not the speakers, so you should feel comfortable starting a conversation in line at the cocktail bar or coffee station. Also, approaching a colleague who is conversing with a group of people is an easy way to get introduced to others. You can then open the conversation by asking what they think of the show/conference/meeting and what their company does.
Other tips to remember
- Rule of sevens – 7 seconds to make a first impression, 14 seconds to create interest, 21 seconds to tell your story
- Don’t be afraid to communicate your goal and why you are here
- It’s about quality, not quantity. The goal is not to get as many cards as possible; it’s to have quality conversations with a few people
- Spend half your time listening
- Treat everyone equally. That young techie could be an influential blogger, the next Bill Gates or know someone you want to meet
- Alcohol in moderation
- Don’t forget to hand out and ask for cards
- Follow-up with an email referencing your conversation and providing some helpful information
- Laugh at yourself, everyone won’t be so nice
- Networking is a learned skill - the more you do it, the easier it gets!
Oh, and if you find yourself standing around alone, read a newspaper/program, listen to speakers, chat with show organizers, refill your drink or walk up to someone new.
Other networking links you might find helpful –
How to avoid becoming a network jerk from the Keith Ferrazzi
106 tips to become a master connector from the Life Optimizer Blog
Be the guy who wears a nametag everywhere from Lifehack.org
How to network: for introverts from BusinessPundit.com
Networking tips from the White House from the 4-Hour Work Week blog
