Networking is critical to being a successful professional. You can meet mentors, build connections for future business opportunities or make new friends. The key is to establish trust and not go into every instance trying to see what’s in it for you. People will see you as disingenuous and won’t want to spend time with you.
Need help expanding your network? Check out these five tips to get you started.
1. Be Prepared
Do research for some interesting icebreakers and ways to end or leave a conversation elegantly. Have business cards made with a unique design so you can exchange them. And don’t forget to dress to impress with a few nice outfits. Brush up on your interpersonal skills, and make sure you have a firm handshake to greet people. Be sure to maintain eye contact, too. If possible, find out who else will be attending the event so you can research them. This will help you pick out people to speak with and have more engaging conversations.
2. Business Associations
Many professions have business organizations specific to your niche or location. Some are more general such as a young professional group. The U.S. Department of Labor offers a website to search for professional organizations. In addition to providing professional development opportunities, they also offer conferences, mixers and other networking opportunities. You also likely will be able to connect with fellow members online. Research each association to determine the benefits they offer and possible fees for membership. Some groups also lobby lawmakers regarding issues that impact the industry.
3. Conferences
One of the best places to network is a conference. If this is not a business association event, but you see a fellow member, you can use your membership as an icebreaker. Check out the schedule in advance and research guest speakers and presenters to plan where you’ll spend your time and have a better chance of chatting with important people. In addition, follow the event’s hashtag to connect with others who are using it or did use it. If the event requires you to set up a booth, have promotional products and informational binders designed to match your brand to give out. This will give people something to remember you by and a way to learn more about you.
4. Community Service
Great conversations can take place among volunteers who are cleaning up a local park, packing up canned goods or helping out at the local animal shelter. People typically are in a good mood when they are helping others, which makes it easier to approach them. If you don’t have time to attend various events, you can volunteer to serve on the board of a local nonprofit organization. Many other business people also do this, so it’s a great place to meet them. Plus, you already have the organization as a common topic.
5. Follow Up
Once you’ve made all of these great connections, don’t forget to follow up. It can be with a social media post, email or call. Be sure to reference how you know each other so they know who you are. Include something they will find beneficial such as a link to an article or book recommendation to continue building your relationship. For a more personal touch, you can also send a handwritten message. Make plans to meet up at another event, for coffee or a meal. It’s important to establish trust and show what they will gain from the relationship, too. It’s not authentic to focus only on what’s in it for you.
Having a strong professional network can be the difference between getting your dream job or missing out because someone from your network who could have made that stellar recommendation. It’s also great to have extra resources by speaking with the people in your network. But building that network can be tricky. Hopefully, these tips can help you get started.
Do you have any other networking strategies? Leave them in the comments below.