Networking is intimidating, and yet it’s one of the most useful tools in your career toolkit. Whether you’re looking for a new opportunity, a mentor, or an outlet for professional networking, successful networking will open doors that perhaps you didn’t even know existed. In this article, we outline some practical strategies for effective networking in your industry to help you build those valuable connections and move your career forward.
## The Importance of Networking
Before we look at tactics, let’s take a little time to understand why networking is so important.
### Why Network?
– **Opportunities**: Most jobs are not advertised in the want ads; they are filled through referrals. Networking can gain access to a hidden job market.
– **Knowledge Sharing**: Networking enables you to share ideas and learn from people in your profession.
– **Network Nourishment**: A network is a group of professionals to whom you can go for advice, inspiration, and motivation throughout your career.
## Powerful Networking Techniques
Now that we have established that networking is important, let’s talk about some practical techniques to help you get connected within your sector.
### 1. Trade Shows and Industry Conferences
Conferences, trade shows, and seminars are fantastic places to encounter people working in your sector.
– **Focus on Relevant Events**: Focus on those events for which your interests and professional goals are relevant in relation to visiting industry leaders and influencers.
– **Engage in the conversation**: Attend is not enough, engage by asking questions and interacting with speakers and fellow conference attendees.
### 2. Social Networking via Social Media Sites
Networking through social media sites often works very well.
– **LinkedIn**: Present best practices on your LinkedIn profile and engage with material that one might consider being within their specific field. Network through connections with colleagues and industry leaders, and don’t be afraid to send targeted connection requests.
– **Twitter and Other Platforms**: Network with industry influencers by following people who have a lot of influence in your space. Engage in conversations by sharing valuable insights that will define you as a thought leader in your field.
### 3. Professional Associations
In professional organizations one can achieve enough networking opportunities.
– **Membership Benefits**: Many associations host networking events, conferences, and workshops. Take advantage of these to meet like-minded professionals.
– **Volunteer**: Get on committees or help out with event planning. This serves both in expanding your networks and by giving back to the community.
### 4. Interview Informationally
Informational interviews are a fantastic resource when you want to know about a particular job or industry while also getting to know people.
– **Identify Potential Contacts**: Meet with people who you admire, ask for a quick meeting, and be transparent about your intentions and respect their time.
– **Prepare Thoughtful Questions**: Ask about their career paths, what kinds of challenges they faced, and advice for someone looking to get into the field. It tells that you are serious and can create meaningful connections.
### 5. Follow Up
Having met someone, let that connection not fade away.
– **Thank-You Email**: Send a very short thank-you email just to say thanks for their time.
– **Stay in Touch**: Keep them updated at regular intervals with material that could be of interest to them or about the specific events you want them to attend.
### 6. Give Others Value
Networking works two ways. Always keep an eye out and find things to give away.
Share What You Have-If you see something that could be useful to those in your network, share it. It makes you an asset to talk about.
Make Introductions-If you know two people that would love to meet each other, don’t be afraid to introduce them. It strengthens your network and builds good will.
## Overcoming Networking Challenges
Networking can be intimidating, but once these common challenges are overcome, then you will be more at ease doing it.
1. Fear of Rejection
You are likely to find it intimidating to actually contact the people you have identified.
– **Reframe Your Thinking**: Stop thinking that networking is a way of asking people to do favors for you. Consider that people actually want to share and learn from you as well.
– **Nobody Is Perfect**: More often than not, people can’t wait to share themselves, their experiences, or ideas with others.
2. Lack of Time
With people’s busy lifestyles, time is scarce.
It can be even more difficult to find time to network with these people, especially when schedules are in conflict.
– **Be Purposeful**: Decide on specific times during the week when you will get in touch with your network or attend events. Spend a few minutes daily and they will add up.
– **Overlap Activities**: When possible, network while attending events or seminars related to your interests.
## Conclusion
Networking in your industry is an awesome way to build relationships, find opportunities, and further your career. It’s communicating with communities of people in your business by attending industry events, using social media platforms, joining professional associations, conducting informational interviews, following up, creating value for other people, and having a healthy, successful, professional network. Networking is not something about just getting contacts; it’s developing quality relationships. Join the game, be authentic, and watch the fruit of good connections grow into great opportunities!
