Boost Your Career Currency: Networking Strategies
[1.17.24 WhollyWork] Happy 2024! I hope you had a restful holiday season. Many clients came back gong-ho about finding a job or building their practice/business. I revel in this energy – smiles and renewed enthusiasm. They want to know, what else can they do to increase interviews or get feedback/resonance about their ongoing work.
I bring up networking.
The light on the client’s face dims. I’m an introvert, she says. Another declares: this is a numbers game, I don’t believe in networking.
I had an MIT grad student who said the latter too; as a non-native English speaker, he became an introvert in America. He sent over 1000 resumes a day using a bot. (Shocking but apparently possible.) He was the last of 40 students to receive an offer, way after graduation.
I also hear: Why would people talk to me when I don’t have much to offer?
In general, people want to help, share insights and their career history. Down the road, you may be in the position to help them. It’s about gifting and receiving.
Let’s reframe the idea of networking: Itis having a conversation and relating to another human being. We often exchange words, knowledge, goodwill as workers, advocates, leaders, and practitioners.
Enlist all of you in the process of networking. You might like how well it goes.
Clear your mind. Set the intention to connect and gather insight: get to know your contact’s career trajectory, their company or team, what’s happening in the field. Prepare to tell your story: why are you requesting the meeting and what you hope to learn.
Stay in the body. If you are nervous about talking to strangers in this context, feel your body by pressing your toes against the ground in your shoes, or lightly tap your knee (under the table). Breathe and relax your chest – envision a butterfly opening its wings.
Bring your spirit. No woo-woo here; your spirit of friendship, curiosity will change the power dynamic. Connect on commonalities (e.g. school both attended, weather, sports, food, holidays, career). Your interest in the other person, the professional field, and how you want to contribute is enough. Trust that you are connecting with another person as an equal.
Important side effects of networking: You make an impression, your person offers to introduce you to relevant contacts, and/or when the opportunity arises, they think of you. These conversations also inform career decisions and help prepare you for future interviews!
Tips for different networking concerns:
- Introverts: Start with people you know. Once your convo is under way, I believe most of you are happy to chat longer. Also, don’t take it personally if people don’t reply to your outreach. Move on to the next person.
- Extroverts: Use your energy to expand your network, be clear about why you are connecting. Be sure to listen and watch for nonverbal cues. More on active listening.
- Slow economy, hiring/promotion freezes: I’m of the school that keeping others abreast of your work regardless of what’s happening is worth it. When the door opens, you want to be first in mind/line.
- What’s the point: “I spoke to 3 people and nothing happened.” It might take time for your interest to simmer in people’s minds and for opportunities to pop up. Patience, and please feel successful about having had the chats.
- I’m too busy: You are seeding your field of opportunities – make the time. If you are working, once a month connect with colleagues, catch up on your projects, share your aspirations. If you are job searching or building a business, consider pinging 3-5 people a week. Buy someone a cup of tea. It is always a good time to connect with a ex-coworker, -supervisor, someone you admire in the field. When the time comes, your network will generate the insight and positivity for you.
Let go of how well you ‘perform’ as a networker. The most important thing is that you reached out.
Empowering Questions:
- What will you do differently about networking in order to advocate for your career in 2024?
- What is the one scary thing you will do to expand your network?
What networking tips do you have? Feel free to reply and share! I’ll post it on my LinkedIn profile. Happy to connect!
May we thrive this new year,
Sue
WHAT’S NEWS
Sunday, Jan 28, 2024, 1pm ET / 11am MT
Craft Your LinkedIn Profile for Networking: Refresh and elevate your LinkedIn profile so you can network and apply for jobs with confidence. FREE. Register at link.
MORE RESOURCES
- Bragging Rights: How to Talk about Your Work Using Purposeful Self-Promotion Helpful POV and tips to prepare for networking
- Learn to Love Networking by Harvard Business Review
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