How To Network Effectively
Many people cringe about networking because the common thought is there's mostly one way to do it - where you are asking for something. Or you’re at an in-person event.
This isn't the case! This is a great time to connect with people you haven't talked to in awhile. Who's been on your mind lately? Reach out to those you've been wondering about. Stay connected and share encouragement. We all have our own journeys and struggles, and sometimes hearing from someone out of the blue can be a very meaningful moment in a series of similar days.
Here's a few approaches you can take to network with people you know:
1) Check in. Say hello. How is it going? What's on the heart and mind of people you know these days? Show genuine care.
2) Share resources with someone you want to connect with. What might be useful for them? When you notice that you find something that makes you think of something someone told you; reach back and share it with them - it’s nice to be thought of and maybe they will find it helpful!
3) Show appreciation. When you come across an article or information that reminds you of a colleague’s professional contributions, share it with them. Let them know what you appreciate about them as a professional - who doesn’t love to get a message like that? Allow your heart to be generous and authentic.
“I've learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.” Maya Angelou
Here’s some ideas on how to expand your network:
(Make sure your LinkedIN profile represents where you WANT to be going; not necessarily where you have been - see additional notes on this)
LinkedIN: Look at the profiles of companies or people who have jobs interesting to you. Scroll to the bottom. What are their interests? What conversations are they following? Which groups look interesting to you? Join them. Contribute your knowledge with posts. Comment on other people’s posts. Like their posts.
LinkedIN: look at people in your network - where you have several shared connections. Do they work at companies you are interested in? Do you feel comfortable sending a personalized message and invitation to connect? It’s important to always send a message to someone you don’t know - not just an invitation.
FaceBook / Instagram / Meetup / NextDoor: Are there community groups you can join?
See what companies are saying / doing on Instagram, Twitter. What’s trending that matches with your interests and values? How can you be a part of that conversation and connect to other people who are interested in the same thing? What do you want to contribute to the conversation? What’s important to you? Many times connecting with people who have similar interests and values can help shift you into a new possibility.
What are the alumni of your university / college doing? Are you connected via Handshake or any other alumni networking platform? Through FB groups, Twitter, LinkedIn, IG? How can you leverage that alumni network?
Volunteering: Is there a way you can contribute 5 or so hours a week to an organization or a cause that you are authentically passionate about? Then you are spending energy on something that you care about and broadening your circle. These kinds of authentic connections are good for your soul, get you on the radar of others, and help people get to know you, which is helpful when it is time to apply for a different or new position.
Recruiters: See the tipsheet for this.
Develop relationships now with others (neighbors, classmates, colleagues, etc.). Go ahead. Expand your circle, put your wisdom, kindness, and courage out into the world.