About 85% of jobs are filled using networking alone, and up to 80% of jobs are never even advertised. If you want the job of your dreams, networking is critical to establish those connections. It’s about much more than getting a new job, though. It’s also about gaining new business, new skills, new opportunities and inspiration.
Even if you’re introverted, networking doesn’t have to painful. In fact, introverts may be better at networking than extroverts. It’s about establishing relationships, not a hard push. Rather than throwing your business card around the room, take time to meet people of value and forge strong connections.
How to expand your professional network
There’s a variety of things you can do to expand your network.
Remember things about people
People love it when you remember things about them and refer to them in future communications. Are they getting married next month? Do they have a cat called Wizard?
Connect on LinkedIn after you meet people
This is exactly why LinkedIn exists, and is a great way to retain these contacts long after you’ve recycled their business card.
Keep in touch after the event or meeting
It could be an email to confirm a meeting over coffee, or tagging them in a LinkedIn post that reminded you of them.
Have a memorable business card
It doesn’t have to be wildly different, just something that makes you stand out.
Don’t think that networking is just at work
Networking is not just in person at an industry conference. It’s online, in relevant groups, at Rotary and Lions and BNI. It’s in the queue waiting for coffee. Pro networkers see opportunities everywhere.
Learn to listen
Possibly the greatest skill that networkers have is listening. Asking questions and being interested in the other person is far more beneficial than talking about yourself.
Have your elevator pitch at the ready
When someone asks you what you do, have a response ready that quickly conveys your business skills. Communicate your message clearly and succinctly.
How to improve your networking skills
Relax and have fun
If you arrive at a networking event stressed out and worried, it’s not going to be productive. Instead, do something beforehand that helps you relax and prepare. It might be a workout, meditation, a quick drink or being extra organised – anything that gets rid of the pressure you might be feeling.
Remind yourself that networking is about meeting people and having fun – not a hard sell. You might have a failsafe plan – a couple of questions you can ask people if the conversation goes awkwardly silent.
Focus on your current contacts first
See someone you already know at an event? Approach them first. Networking isn’t just hunting new relationships, it’s also investing in the ones you have. It’s likely they’ve spotted you too, and it’s an easy way to break the ice. Catch up on the news and nurture that existing relationship. Your friend can introduce you to others, so growing your network isn’t always a cold start.
Give before you receive
Not every networking contact has to be about your gain. You can become a connector, and introduce people to others. That way, you help everyone expand their professional networks, and you build rapport with them too. Everyone has something to offer, whether it’s giving support, or something more substantial like the inside track to a role.
Ways great (but shy) networkers got better at it
If you dread networking, you’re not alone. Many people look on networking as being a necessary evil at best, and soulless and inauthentic at worst. If this is your problem, re-frame your view of networking to be a way to meet likeminded people. You’ll find yourself looking forward to networking opportunities.
To get more comfortable with networking, practice on your friends or try some of these ideas.
Read books
There are some amazing books out there for the reluctant networker.
How to Win Friends and Influence People - Dale Carnegie
This classic book tells how to use a simple six-step process to make people like you. The strategy has helped people succeed in their careers for decades. The steps include smiling, remembering the other person’s name and pronouncing it correctly, listening, being genuinely interested, talking about their interests and making the other person feel important. It’s that easy.
The Charisma Myth - Olivia Fox Cabane
We all know someone who walks into a room and captivates everyone. Wouldn’t you like that natural ability to be influential, persuasive and inspiring?
The Charisma Myth says that charisma is a mindset that shapes behaviours. So, if you read this book and develop the techniques yourself, you’ll be the flame, not the moth.
Never Eat Alone - Keith Ferrazzi and Tahl Raz
Reaching out to other people is the key to success, according to this book. Using the power of relationships, the authors say you can grow a network that offers benefits that you wouldn’t otherwise have. Part of this is never eating alone (the ultimate social stigma), but also helping others, being there when needed, and using social media to your advantage.
Go to meetups
Across New Zealand, women are running businesses and facing challenges that men typically do not encounter. Link in with She Owns It NZ on Facebook to connect with other like-minded women.
In each city, local Chambers of Commerce run training and events. Head to their webpages to find out the details – Christchurch, Wellington, Auckland and Dunedin. These events connect you with other business owners as well as providing guidance and help.
There are groups like The Networkers and Meetup that operate nationwide or locally just for networking events. A quick Google search will find more.
If you have a specific need, join a group to address it. ToastMasters for instance, will help you with your public speaking, but you will meet people too. Finding groups on Facebook or LinkedIn is a great way to join meetups in real life, to meet the people you’ve already been interacting with online.
Don’t be scared to start up your own. If you’re in a very specific industry, there may be no networking groups yet. Create a group on Facebook and see if others join. Not only is it great networking for you, but being the founder of the group makes you more sought after.
Attend seminars and business breakfasts
BNI is a world leader in referral marketing, running with the slogan ‘Givers gain’. You join a chapter (they only take one person from each industry) and meet weekly, usually for breakfast. It’s a way of introducing yourself to a range of businesses in the area, and turning them into your own sales force. Not only do you gain business, but you have more contacts to connect others to. A win-win.
Most industries have seminars you can attend. There’s a huge range, from IT to teaching, retail to management. Here are sites that will give you the run down on what’s happening in your area.
Your network can be your best friend
However, you decide to do it, expanding your professional network is a positive thing. New people can extend your professional skills, trade ideas with you and put you in touch with job opportunities you didn’t know existed.
Keep your focus on making genuine connections, adding value to others, and connecting people. Learn to smile, listen, ask interested questions about your new acquaintances – and keep in touch with old friends too. Do it right and you will soon be a networking machine, with valuable contacts near and far, and a professional (and personal) life chock full of opportunity.