Are you currently in the market for a new job? Or are you in a role you enjoy? Either way, do make sure that active networking is – or becomes – an integral part of your own career management strategy.
What is Networking?
Networking is the activity of making, nurturing, and keeping connections. Networking builds and sustains your professional community. It is about making yourself known and interacting with a broad range of people who you can help and who can help you.
Networking is not about asking for a job, nor is it simply a job search activity. It is also not a ‘one-way’ activity. Networking is about managing your “brand” – what people think about you, what you are known for, and what people can expect from you.
Why Network
Connecting with people for the purposes of sharing information is how you will attract and retain business, forge enjoyable working and personal relationships, and create a supportive and interesting community around yourself. If you are conducting a job search, networking allows you to expand your knowledge and stay current with industry news, events, and trends. You can also find out about opportunities that are just in the consideration stage or get an “inside” edge by making contact within a company.
A few tips about networking:
• Network to keep yourself current, find out about new opportunities and to learn and share information
• Network with everyone* – Everyone has something to share and can be a good source of insight, another connection, or advice. (I’m going to qualify “everyone”. Recently, I was asked if we should network with people that we don’t like or people who don’t like us. I don’t see the point of that. First of all, connecting with people you don’t get along with doesn’t sound like too much fun. Also, when we network, we are opening ourselves (professionally, at least) to other people. If the other person is not likely to say positive things about you or support your goals, then pass them by and look for another connection). (* I have been asked by someone if they should network with people that they either don’t like, or with someone who doesn’t like them. The answer is a qualified no. No – if the other person is not willing or able to support you in a positive way, then you – and they – stand little to gain by forging a relationship. If, however, there’s an opportunity to rectify the relationship – set things right and/or repair issues that have caused problems, then yes, go ahead).
• When you’re looking for a new job, network prepared. Have in mind what you want to say: what is your story and game plan? What are you interested in doing? What information or connections would be helpful? Ensure that your engagement with the other person is a good use of their time and yours
• Always plan to give back or pay-it-forward. Make networking a mutually-beneficial activity. Support other people’s efforts to connect and share information
• Enjoy networking. There are many different ways to make and keep connections. Find a way that suits you and is effective in sustaining your professional community.