06 November 2022
Investopedia defines networking as the “exchange of information and ideas among people with a common profession or special interest, usually in an informal social setting.”
In today’s generation, networking with different professionals has never been so easy and accessible. You've also probably heard a million times that career advancement is as much about who you know as what you know—and that is exactly why being a powerful networker is so important. More than a million times, building a successful network is crucial for career progress since it is just as vital to know the right people, as it is to know the right things.
When done properly, networking may help attract new clients, access talent for future recruiting, and open the door to lucrative career prospects. And what better way to learn the ins and outs of such skillful networking than to follow Topgrad’s tips!
TIP 1: Quality over Quantity
In the networking game, you should focus on quality rather than quantity. We recommend making a personal action plan for each professional objective you have, whether it be obtaining a new position or increasing your audience. Make a list of everyone who can play a role in your success, including friends, co-workers, people you want to meet in person, and even those you like and simply follow online, and then write down the significance of each individual and how you would rate the quality of your relationships on a scale from 0 to 5. This will help you develop a strategy to pursue your goals—and hone in on getting help from the right people.
TIP 2: Start practicing your pitch
A brief summary of your background, professional interests, and personal information is called an elevator pitch. It enables you to swiftly convey the goal of your networking efforts, which may facilitate more effective connection-making. Think about outlining three crucial ideas that will aid others in understanding your viewpoint. You might find it useful to save your elevator speech in a document so you can edit it later. Speaking clearly and confidently can also be improved by practicing in front of a mirror or a webcam.
TIP 3: Find a common ground
Discovering what you and the other person have in common, whether it be that you attended the same university, or that you both enjoy eating the same cuisine, or watching comedy movies, is a quick way to start a new connection with solid roots. Don’t be afraid to ask questions that go beyond their role and let the individual speak about him or herself: “Where are you from? Are you currently enjoying your role?”
Networks are homogenous by nature since it feels more comfortable to connect with others who are similar to you. We frequently associate with individuals who share our gender, racial identity, and educational background.
TIP 4: Follow up…then follow up again
Too many people fail to follow up after meeting with a strong new connection, failing to make use of the new connection can just lead to a blocked road. You need to regularly "ping" your network if you want your relationships to grow stronger. Of course, we do not want to “annoy” our new connections by constantly trying to nag them over little things, we suggest creating a schedule for keeping in touch, whether you set aside X amount of time each day to network or reach out to X number of people each week.
TIP 5: Start attending events
You can meet a range of important contacts by going to workplace mixers, corporate retreats, or local events because you may encounter these people every day. Ask potential fellow workers if they would want to trade business cards or contact information once you have gotten to know them. Keep tabs on the social calendar for your company so you can plan ahead for events.
Conclusion
While the word “networking” may sound scary for some people, the more you do it the more you may find yourself enjoying and learning more about how to approach different people in different sectors. Likewise, it is never too early — or too late — to invest in your network. The best way to improve your networking skills is to put yourself out there and try it! Good luck!
