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Are you eager to advance in your career or job? Building relationships, or Networking, can be very helpful to your career. First, you will need to understand the networking process and how it can be advantageous to your career.
The Networking Process
According to the Merriam-Webster dictionary, the definition of Networking is the exchange of information or services among individuals, groups, or institutions; specifically, the cultivation of productive relationships for employment or business. Therefore, networking means making contacts, creating alliances, building support groups and befriending other people with similar professional interests.
This process involves building relationships with people you know - but, don't really know, and new people you've never met before. It begins with having an intention to discover, explore, and be open-minded to what you may encounter. Networking is about helping others and help yourself. As humans, we want to connect with and help others. Without connections, we feel as sense of loneliness and, possibly, depression. So, we are inclined to re-invigorating our relationships and engaging new connections and new networks.
Benefits of Networking
When you network, you create a community of people who support each other and provide emotional support and information that will help each other. You will learn of new developments in your field, about training programs, leaders, products, and services.
How to Network
We already know how to network: it's nothing more than getting to know people. Don't be hesitant to network, fearing being seen as pushy, annoying or self-serving. It's not about using people, but about building relationships. Although it could seem intimidating, it can be very rewarding and fun - even if you're shy.
Everyone is networking on a daily basis: talking to someone in line at the grocery store, having a conversation during a PTA meeting at your child's school. chatting with your neighbor. This group of friendly people sharing information can help you in moving your job search forward. There is some truth in, "it's not what you know, but who you know."
You can build a network in five steps:
1. Make a Networking Plan
Set goals for networking - prepare for your job search in the same career field or changing career. Decide who you want to contact based on your goals.
Identify your networking needs and interests - learn about yourself, the jobs that interest you, occupations, and identify your motivated skills.
Learn about formal and informal networks - formal networks are the types you actually join (clubs, memberships, professional associations); informal networks may include old friends, church members, or people you meet at a social function. Good networks contain both types and has a healthy mix of business and social conditions.
Become familiar with networking resources - while LinkedIn is a popular and essential online choice, it's not enough. Networking in your field or industry can keep you informed and updated on industry standards and new developments in your career field.
2. Make contact
Make a list of the kinds of people you want in your network. Include their background, position, personality, leisure interests, and values.
Make a list of the people you already know who you want to include in your network.
Make a list of potential contacts - include contacts from family, friends, school, work and community.
Consider how you will contact people you would like to include in your network: in person, email, phone, LinkedIn or other online networking group, social media, etc.
Make information interviews a "must" in your networking plan. Meeting face-to-face with someone working in a job that interests you will have a powerful impact on your networking and career research.
3. Organize your network
Organize to make it easier for you to keep up with them and meet the goals of your networking plan.
Create groups of contact based on how frequently you use them.
4. Take action
Set a timetable to achieve your goals for making contacts.
Create a file or "networking" notebook to record who you've called and what the outcome or response was.
It helps to set aside a special networking time.
Consider joining Toastmasters to improve your communication skills.
5. Practice networking etiquette
Always respect your contact's names - Ask if it's OK to use them as a reference.
Make sure you call people at times that are convenient for them - remember to check the time difference before calling.
Follow through on your promises - if someone asks you for something, make sure you follow through on the request.
Thanks everyone who helps you or provides you with leads - thank them with a call or a handwritten note. Even if their suggestion has no result, your contacts will appreciate a follow-up.
Networking is an activity that can assist you throughout your life. It is a give-and-take arrangement. Keep in mind your responsibility to contribute to your network by offering assistance to those who follow you or, in some cases, those who preceded you.
