SOCIAL NETWORKING
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By: Allison Mitchell
You’ve heard it before: networking is important for your career! Unfortunately, many people starting their careers don’t think they need to network or don’t know how to network effectively. Before I got my first job, I was one of those people. I would tell myself that networking was for other people and not me. I didn’t think I needed to network to get ahead in my career. Soon enough, I realized the truth — networking is important and it’s hard to do well. It’s time to get started on honing your networking skills!
What is networking?
When should you start?
When you network, information is shared among people with common interests. In respect to your career, the more information and opportunities you’re aware of in your field, the better equipped you’ll be for success. Don’t mistake social networking with networking: it’s not the same thing. Social networking is one way to network, but it isn’t the only way. Face to face contact is usually the most effective approach, but it can also be done through email and phone.
Now! Don’t wait until you’re done school to start building your network. The earlier you start building your network, the larger your network will be when you graduate. Networking is unavoidable: even if you don’t seek out networking opportunities, you’ll eventually be in a position where you’ll have to network. So instead of being caught off-guard and unprepared, start polishing your networking skills. It’s a valuable skill you’ll use throughout your career!
Where do you network?
Why network? There will always be something new to learn in your field, and networking is a great way to discover the latest and greatest information. It allows you to promote yourself to others who are already in your field of choice. You won’t have to rely solely on job boards in your job search. Many companies have referral programs that encourage their employees to refer candidates. It’s a great way to find out about career opportunities. Networking is a two-way street: your network can help you, and it offers you the opportunity to help others.
Networking can happen anywhere, not just at networking events. Every person that you meet has the potential to be in your network, and you should go out into the world with that mindset. Be proactive. Seek out opportunities to attend networking events that are relevant to you.
Who do you network with?
Who do you network with?
Ideally, you’ll want to ensure that you build your network within your You’ll want to ensure that you it’s build your network yournetwork chosen field. chosen field. However, important not towithin limit your to only However, it’s people. important not to limit yourknow network to only those those Remember, people other people. If apeople. person you Remember, otherthey people. If aknow person you meet meetpeople isn’t inknow your field, might someone whoisn’t is. in your field, they might know someone who is.
how do you network effectively? Have business cards and a brief summary about yourself ready to go. If you’re still in school, your business cards should have your name, program, graduation date, and contact information. How will people contact you if they don’t have your contact information?
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Be positive, confident, and authentic. You’ll attract others oozing those qualities. If you struggle with confidence — as many people do — then you need to fake it. If you fake it well, then people won’t know that you’re shaking on the inside. And over time, the more confident you act, the more confident you’ll become.
You need to meet new people to build your network, and you can’t meet new people if you’re sitting at a table full of people you know. I know it’s hard to sit and talk to people you don’t know. I’ve been guilty of using a networking event as a chance to catch up with friends, but doing so really wastes a golden opportunity to grow your network.
Send a follow-up email to the people you met, and thank them for the time they took to speak with you. That simple email will reinforce your brief conversation with them and help you stand out among the others they met.