Tips on networking

Yesterday I went to a ‘managing your career’ workshop and the best thing to come out of it were a few networking tips that I would like to share with you…

1. Share more information than you expect to get back
2. Research an event/project/person before going to it/watching it/meeting them so you take an interest in what’s happening
3. Be proactive – if you hear about something you can help with, volunteer for it! 
4. Make the most of the events that you go to
5. Keep your contacts up to date and use them – don’t just wait until that point when you need a job or want something. Drop people a line to say hello or ask for their opinion on something you’re working on
6. Follow up on the contacts that you make quickly
7. See yourself as part of a linked environment – it’s a small world after all!
8. Become known as someone who can also connect others with one another – don’t be selfish
9. Spend 10 minutes a day ‘bumping into’ people
10. When possible, chose for a face-to-face meeting instead of picking up the phone

Generally, I think the overall consensus of networking is a bit like exercise or learning a new language – it’s all about little and often. 

 

I hope this has been a little useful for you. It was for me. I’m replenishing my business card stash as I type!!

The views and opinions expressed in this article are that of my own and not my employer.