As an Advize user, you're already on the right track to building a successful career. One crucial skill that can significantly boost your professional journey is networking. Let's dive into how you can master this art and build meaningful connections in your chosen industry.
Understanding Networking: It's Like Professional Dating
Networking, at its core, is about building relationships. Think of it as professional dating – it requires patience, genuine interest, and the ability to find common ground. Just like in dating, trust is built over time through multiple interactions, whether they're calls, meetings, or casual catch-ups.
In the professional world, these "dates" can take many forms:
Phone calls or video chats
Coffee meetings or lunch dates
Industry events or conferences
Professional mixers or networking parties
Remember, professional networking also includes written communication, like emails or LinkedIn messages, which can be the first step in establishing a connection.
First Steps to Effective Networking
1. Set Your Goals
Before you start reaching out, ask yourself:
Who do you want to know within your industry?
Are you looking to connect with people in your job function or a new industry?
Are there specific companies you're interested in?
Your answers will guide your outreach strategy.
2. Make the Initial Contact
Once you've identified potential connections:
Reach out via LinkedIn, email, or other professional platforms
Introduce yourself and express your interest in connecting and why
Ask for a brief phone call or video chat to discuss the industry or seek their advice
3. Prepare for the Conversation
Before your call or meeting:
Remind yourself why you reached out to this person
Research their background to find common interests or experiences
Prepare an agenda or list of topics you'd like to discuss
4. Build the Relationship
At the end of your conversation:
Thank them for their time and insights
If appropriate, suggest a follow-up meeting or call or establish the next best time to touch base
Remember, building trust and relationships takes time – don't rush it!
Additional Tips for Long-term Networking Success
1. Stay in Touch: Create a system to send periodic updates or holiday greetings to your network.
2. Engage on Social Media: Respond to their posts on LinkedIn or other professional platforms to maintain a connection.
3. Offer Value: Look for ways to help your connections. Maybe you can introduce them to someone in your network or share an interesting article relevant to their work. Hot tip: ask them how you can help them when you first meet!
4. Be Patient: Remember that strong professional relationships, like any relationships, develop over time.
5. Be Authentic: Always be genuine in your interactions. People can sense when you're not being sincere.
Final Thoughts
Networking is a two-way street. While it's important to think about how others can help you, also consider how you can provide value to your connections. By focusing on building genuine relationships rather than just collecting contacts, you'll create a strong, supportive network that can boost your career for years to come.
Remember, as an Advize user, you have access to a wealth of information from professionals across various industries. Use these resources to identify potential networking opportunities and gain insights into different career paths. You can even mention someone's Advize interview in your reach out to increase your chances of getting a response.
Happy networking!
Emily McSherry
CEO Advize