On a macro level, your social network––coworkers, colleagues, team leaders, extended family, and friends––is a crucial framework for building your professional network. Many professionals and executives don’t take time to do a meta-analysis for their network as part of their career development strategy. A networking coach helps you refine your professional network and change your approach to build a network that supports your career goals. Efficient networking isn’t just about making the most of your time at networking events; it’s about making the connections that will accelerate career growth.
Here are the top tips for efficient networking from our networking coach.
No one denies that, at times, networking can feel like a dreaded chore. Still, when you fall out of the habit of participating in networking events and making new connections, your career can stagnate.
If you’re feeling particularly burned out on the networking hustle, it may be because you’re not attending high-value events. By becoming proactive about the events you attend or the people you meet, you’ll get more from your efforts and feel invigorated rather than drained by networking.
When you meet someone within the context of networking, it’s easy to dominate the conversation by sharing details about yourself, your career, and your connections. But a new introduction is a chance to learn about someone else and allow them to share their work, projects, and passion.
Instead of approaching networking events with an “elevator pitch” about yourself, have open-ended questions ready to engage people in sharing more about themselves. By actively listening to other people’s experiences, you can find opportunities to connect with people on a meaningful level.
Even early conversations can build trust in your network, which leads to better, long-standing relationships throughout your career.
At networking events, there’s often pressure to collect as many business cards as possible and make as many new connections as you can in a limited time. Never go into a networking event blind, but research potential attendees before the event itself.
Reach out beforehand on social media to do the initial introductions and follow-up with how you’re excited to talk in person at the event. One strong connection is worth a dozen business cards for people you barely remember.
Your social media is networking for you 24/7. Using LinkedIn to share ideas, upcoming events, published think pieces, and more, you stay present in the feeds (and minds) of people who may want you in their network.
Use LinkedIn and Twitter to highlight how you can benefit others. When people seek you out to be a part of their network, you get access to their connections as well.
Only reaching out to your network when you need something is a bad look. Spend some time every week reaching out to people in your network to check in, offer yourself as a mentor, or follow up with anything you discussed last time you talked.
Scroll LinkedIn to see who’s reaching out to ask for help. By positioning yourself as someone available as a resource to others, you become a high-value individual in their network. You will get a more vigorous response when you need something from your network.
The networking coaches at Nineteen88 Strategies bring over three decades of experience in business, leadership, and communication. Our career advancement services are devoted to helping our clients achieve that same longevity in their field. Efficient networking is a core skill that every executive needs to stay adaptable, engaged, and in-demand in the C-suite. We can help you hone your skills and become an active participant in your career growth.
Schedule a consultation with a networking coach and reframe what’s possible for your five-year plan.
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