No matter what industry you work in, your business connections are going to be just as important as any other asset you have at your disposal. So much of all kinds of business is in who you know - so working on your network is something any seriously aspirational person should focus on.
What is networking, and how can you harness the power of networking for career success? If you're not a socially-minded person, this element of your work can feel nerve-wracking at best, and impossible at worst.
But it doesn't have to be that way.
With a few networking tips and tricks, you can master the art of how to network. With a flourishing web of connections, you can quickly climb the ladder in the direction of your dreams.
What do you need to know about networking? Read on and we'll walk you through advice from some of the pros.
First, let's define the terms we're working with here. Networking is the act of creating and maintaining relationships with people who can help you achieve your goals. It can be done in person, over the phone, or online.
Networking, as we've made clear, is important for both personal and professional reasons. According to LinkedIn-sponsored studies, over 80% of job positions are filled via networking, which means that you likely can only advance in your career through these types of positions.
Professional networking can help you find a job, get promoted, or start your own business. It can also help you stay up-to-date on industry trends and developments.
This knowledge can help you stay competitive and relevant in your industry.
Networking is something that takes time and practice. The good part about focusing on your network is that it gets easier with time. The more people you meet, the easier it is to meet more and more people.
Don't feel like a natural-born networker? Don't fret, you're certainly not alone. It can take some courage and practice to get to a place where you feel comfortable doing this kind of work.
Learning how to network better can be as simple as integrating a few easy practises into your professional arsenal. These are all tips our professional career coaches can stand by.
Professional organisations are a great way to meet people in your field and learn about new opportunities. They often offer networking events and other ways to connect with other members.
There are many different types of professional organizations, so you can find one that is a good fit for your interests and career goals. Some examples of professional organisations include industry associations, professional societies, and trade unions.
Industry organizations are specific to a particular industry, such as the CS-CAN for computer science or the Canadian Real Estate Association (CREA) for real estate.
Professional societies are organizations that are more general and focus on a particular profession, such as the Canadian Medical Association (CMA) for doctors or the Canadian Society of Professional Engineers (CSPE) for engineers.
Trade unions are organizations that represent workers in a particular industry, such as the Canadian Union for Public Workers or the Teamsters for truck drivers.
When you join a professional organisation, you will have the opportunity to meet other people in your field. You can learn about new opportunities, and get involved in activities with other like-minded people.
You can also attend networking events, learn from industry experts, and get help with your career development.
All of this can help to push your career forward.
Industry events are a great way to meet new people and learn about new developments in your field. They often offer networking opportunities and other ways to connect with other attendees.
There are many different types of industry events.
Conferences, for example, are typically held over several days and offer multiple sessions on a variety of topics. Meanwhile, seminars are typically shorter than conferences and offer one or two sessions on a specific topic.
Workshops and trade shows can also be quite helpful. Workshops are more hands-on and offer participants the opportunity to learn how to do something specific. Trade shows are held over one or two days and offer vendors the opportunity to showcase their products and services.
Showcasing these products is a great kicking-off point for meeting other people in the same trade.
Attending an industry event can provide many of the same benefits as joining an organization, with less commitment and in less time.
Nearly half of the people on the planet have a social media account. Getting on one of these websites can be a great way to connect with people in your field and build relationships.
You can join online groups, follow industry leaders, and connect with other members of your professional network.
There are many different social media platforms, so you can find one that is a good fit for your interests and career goals. Some will be better than others when it comes to connecting with industry folks.
The best social media websites might also vary depending on what kind of industry you work in. For example, Instagram might not be a good networking site for those working in accounting, but it could be great for those in the arts.
What sites should you look into?
LinkedIn is specifically designed for professionals and offers a variety of features to help you connect with other professionals, find jobs, and learn about new opportunities.
The entire point of this website is networking professionally, so it's one you'll certainly want to look into.
Twitter is also worth being a part of, as it is a great way to stay up-to-date on industry news and trends. On Twitter, you can also connect with other professionals, and share your thoughts and ideas.
It's one of the more popular social media platforms, so you'll have a high chance of connecting with someone interesting.
After befriending someone on these sites, you can watch that connection grow and eventually blossom into a more meaningful relationship. It's not just dating that has moved online in the modern era - this kind of networking is more common than ever!
Networking is also about the work you put in before you meet someone.
Before you go to an event or connect with someone online, know what you want to get out of the interaction. Do you want to learn more about a particular topic? Do you want to meet someone who can help you with your career?
Be prepared to talk about your goals and what you are looking for. Make sure you do so succinctly and clearly. Getting your elevator pitch down ahead of time can be incredibly helpful.
When you are prepared, you will be more likely to make a good impression on the other person. It will be easier to get what you want out of the interaction.
You'll also just come across as more confident and prepared in general. This can help to make a more positive first impression.
At the same time, don't prepare so much that you come across as stilted or strange. Networking, at the end of the day, is about meeting other people as people, not as numbers or abstract opportunities.
Provide a space for them to be their full selves and bring your full self to the table as well.
People can spot a fake from a mile away. Be genuine and authentic in your interactions. People are more likely to trust and want to help you if they feel like they know you.
If you can keep this sense of authentic self in place as you navigate your industry, you'll quickly rise in people's estimation.
You can't become successful in your business on your own. No matter the industries you work in, you'll need help from others to rise to the level of success that you want.
How can you build out who you know and harness the power of networking?
The above networking tips can help you out if you're uncertain of how to take this important step forward. This is just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to mastering the art of networking.
Need more help gaining momentum in your career? Give us a call anytime to speak with one of our professional career coaches.
