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Everyone needs networking!
Networking sounds scary, but it really isn’t. It’s not about swimming with the sharks.
It’s simply people making a connection by sharing contacts and information. It’s about building bridges and roads and making contacts that can help you.
A network of people can save you time, money, and energy. It allows you to put the power of what others know to work for you and is a skill you should use throughout your life.
One of the biggest benefits for me of having a professional membership with a professional networking group is the networking opportunity. I have met some great people that have enhanced my life, career, and business who I hope to know for the rest of my life.
Your local branch is one place you will find inspiration, information, and fresh ideas.
However, emergency networking is difficult. The time to do effective networking is before you actually need it. That is why it’s important to be engaged.
This will allow opportunities for you to get to know others and others to get to know you. Networking is a continuous process that should be done frequently.
Start Small With Networking
Stay in touch with your contacts and get their advice on simple topics such as good restaurants, movies, books, etc. Then when you need something really important, like a job, you’ll feel much more comfortable asking for help and they will feel more inclined to offer help.
Start small at first if the idea of networking makes you nervous. Reach out one-on-one, over the phone, or via email.
Start with a brief introduction and questions to learn more about the other person. Make a clear request if you are seeking something from them (and keep it small at first).
See where it goes from there. Find ways to practice every chance you get.
Have a Networking Agenda
When attending a networking event, try to find out ahead of time who is attending. Decide who you want to spend time with.
Ask questions of those people you meet. Everyone likes to talk about themselves and they will appreciate your generous listening capacity.
Jot down a few notes about the person or common interests that you’d like to remember. You may want to think of a success story that you can also share about yourself. Keep your speech positive and inspiring.
Don’t expect to get without giving. Networking is a two-way street. The worst thing you can do is to take repeatedly without reciprocating. Remember to send information, referrals, or opportunities to others in your circle.
Think of it like a savings account. If you keep investing wisely, you can draw from it when you need it.
Remember to follow up with your new contacts. Scheduling a coffee or lunch meeting will offer a no-pressure environment to polish networking skills. This will also send the message that you are interested in maintaining contact.
If you eat lunch with the same group every day, invite someone new and encourage others to do the same. Everyone likes to be included.
Networking In Person and Online
Engage in activities at work that are high in visibility. Volunteering is also a great way to meet new people. Work with your strengths in mind and in areas that will allow you to shine.
Establishing and maintaining interpersonal relationships in person and online is a skill that can be used at any level. Online networking will expand your circle even more.
Use sites such as LinkedIn, Facebook, and Twitter. Most online sites also offer opportunities to meet in person, which of course is the best way to network.
I like networking but only if it’s genuine. There is nothing worse than realizing someone wants your contact information to profit personally for some reason. There should a mutual buy-in.
Great tips. I definitely think that networking is the best way to grow your biz.
Goodness me, yes it makes me nervous. But I am learning as I go along and in a way, it is fun and enjoyable- not to mention, profitable (not just monetarily, either)!
Networking is important regardless of what you do. Even with blogging there are opportunities to network with others of your niche and beyond. Good post!
I am a shy introvert and networking has always been difficult for me. Virtually, I am fine. It is that face to face that gets me. I had a mentor once tell me to create an alter ego when I was in a face to face setting. Allow my alter ego be the extrovert and mingle with others. It actually helped a little.
Networking is an awesome thing. How can we begin to grow as a people if we don’t meet and learn from others. Great post.
Networking is important whether online or off – although it can be quite scary to attend an event where you know no one. Some people have a knack for this and some even seek/enjoy it, I can’t say I’m one of them. Networking events make me super nervous, but luckily I don’t have many or any to attend.
Should I have to attend something, I’ll refer back to this page with your good networking tips – appreciate it.
Is saying I’m an introvert an excuse? But yes, networking is important and thanks for sharing this post it’s helpful for me and I know a few people (extroverts! :P) who would find this post useful too.
I think you have to be careful though, some networking groups cost hundreds of dollars a year.. and for what? You’re around the same people all the time.
Catrina, hopefully the groups will attract new members that you will meet. Also, you just never know when someone will hear of an opportunity that is perfect for you and pass that along for you to take advantage of. The better you get to know people and vice versa (develop relationships) the more they are likely to help you if you have left a good impression with them. Relationships take time to develop. Sometimes they are fruitful, sometimes they are not. But it is totally worth in when you find one that is 😉
I grew up around networking businesses so it’s kinda an old hat for me and I enjoyed this post because it reminding me of those meeting I use to go with my dad (not sure why I was with him). I think my favorite tip is make sure you don’t carry your drink in the hand you shake hands with. No one wants to shake a wet, cold hand. 😉
Great tip, Heather! Thanks for adding it.
Thanks for the tips – in my husband’s business there is a LOT of networking and socialization that must go on. Pretty much, if you can’t socialize and network, then there’s no real other way to accomplish anything in this town. When they say “it’s all about who you know”, they aren’t joking here. 🙂
Networking is very important. It is so easy to be nervous and shy, but you just have to put yourself out there. Thanks for several great tips.
Network used to terrify me–still does at times, but as I’m starting a freelance writing career, I’m discovering how important it is! I still get uncomfortable, but have found virtual networking a great starting place!
I’ve been trying to get up my nerve to attend some local tech meetups. Thanks for your lovely tips – I may actually make it to the next one now!
Thanks for these tips. I will check out the books.
Great article- Networking is truly a vital part of business. Thanks for the tips.
These are some great tips! I am a new blogger so I have a lot to learn. I will be saving this. Thank you so much.
Thanks for these tips! I’ve never heard of IAAP but will definitely look into them now. Also, the extra resources that you have added look great too.
Network is very important and I have not ventured to enter that arena at all. I suppose now more than ever it will be good but need a starting point and face my fears because I am not that outgoing but more on the reserved side.
I just went to a blogging conference and it was all about networking. Sometimes it is hard to put yourself out there, but there are benefits once you have a network in place.
Great advice. Thanks for the tips
Great tips! I think its important for people to remember that networking does not mean you are “using” someone. It can always feel a little weird to simply talk to people just to make business connections but it is important to remember they are probably doing the same and have done the same and there is no shame in it.
Networking is certainly a professional necessity and personally fun. I am always eager to meet like minded people. And I do love hearing a good yarn. I like the idea of having a success story handy. I always try and have a “when there is a quiet moment” story available. And jotting down notes about a person is essential. It tells the person they were memorable the time contact was made. Thanks for the post.
Rachel.
This post was so helpful. I just got back from a blogging conference and saw so many of your tips at work.
It’s important to make new contacts and keep up with old contacts too! Thanks for sharing these tips!
Networking is SO important. I’m aiming to go to a few conventions next year to try and network with others in my niche.
I think no matter what you do in life – personally or professionally – networking is vital. Parenting – you need a network. School – you need a network. Business – you need a network. No matter where you are or what you do, you need that network. One should always be networking.
This is great advice. It takes a village. Surrounding yourself with a good network is so helpful.
Networking is an important part of doing business. I make sure to network with people in different industries than my own, too. You never know when it will come in handy.
Great advice. I don’t attend events often (and I really should search more out), but when I do, I go in with a “goal” to meet at least 3 new people and find out a few things about each of them. Then after the event I try to think of a way I could help at least one of them – if I go at it with an attitude of serving, I find it easier to make a strong connection.
Networking is something I enjoy, but sometimes it’s difficult to follow up with the people I’ve met or made contact with. There are only so many hours in the day, haha!
Networking is a tricky subject for many because we all have our comfort zones. I find that when we get out of our own way and try new things is when we be the best we can be. I always set a goal for myself to meet 5 new people at every event and I find the more I start talking and networking the easier it gets and that 5 easily turns into a bigger number!
Networking is something I struggle with. I tend to be introverted and have a mindset of getting things done on my own. It’s something I’m trying to push past. Especially as a young mom it can be isolating, so I’m seeking out other young moms to network with.
Networking is definitely not my strong suit. I’m more of the wallflower than the one to seek out contacts. As a fellow blogger, it’s something I definitely need to improve. Great tips!
Networking is so important in any industry. I can say I wouldn’t have the job I have now and be in the position that I am if it were not for my network of people. It really is all about who you know.
I agree that networking is vital to success. This program sounds like a really good one to consider joining. I would love to just interacting with other like-minded people. Thank you for telling us about it.
Networking has afforded me many opportunities and often, others just don’t understand how it’s all worked out – but it’s taken WORK on my part to connect with others and establish relationships with them! Your post will help others understand this tool better!
Thanks for your good advice because no man is an island and it does take a village to raise a child.
Great article – this is very true in everything and especially with blogging. I am finally starting to find some bloggers that I am slowly building a network with it. It helps to have people to lean on and support you!
Networking can be a bit daunting, so I definitely agree with a little bit at a time and having it established before you need it. Conferences and professional meetings are great places to casually meet people and begin networking.
P.S. Love that we are using the same theme – I like it so much.
We would be lost without our network of people. A lot of them are local which means if we ever wanted to move it would be hard leaving our connections behind.
It’s so great that you have built up a network of people!
I used to be so nervous, shy and scared of networking when I worked in an industry I just had no passion or knowledge about but now that I work in a field (web design & development) that I am truly passionate about I feel confident about networking and actually love it!!!! I love meeting new people and seeing how I can help them with my services and I really think networking is hugely important for everyones businesses.
So glad to hear you have overcome your fears!
What an informative post! I always struggle with networking, because I don’t feel like I’m really great at it, and it always seems like there are so many other things I could be spending my time on. But I love your point about it being like a savings bank, and how you have to regularly invest in order to draw out when you need it. Great advice!
Linda, glad to hear that you found something that hit home with you. You know what they say, practice makes perfect!