How to network

Posted: 02/09/2007--25/11/2008 || Rate this Article: 3 || Views|| Sign In || Register ||Hello Guest

In almost any profession, networking is an important way to meeting people and find contacts. Contacts can be valuable for everything from an opportunity for a new job or a summer internship, to a start in a competitive career. Building up your own personal network gives you additional tools for the competitive world of business and careers. You never know when a contact will be someone in a position to help you. So get started networking and making personal contacts now. Because you never know when they'll pay off.

Use All Available Resources: For someone new to networking, it may seem all but impossible to build up a large number of connections or contacts that can help you. But if you take some time, you'll probably find you already have a significant number of connections already. A network doesn't just mean people you meet at meetings or business lunches, it can be friend or relatives. Think about all the people you are in contact with, and don't be afraid to start emailing people you haven't talked to in a while to rebuild the relationship. Further contacts can be found in a number of ways, from school alumni networks, to clubs and organizations, to local community events. Almost every event can be a chance to meet people and strengthen your network.

Get a Business Card: As you may have already noticed, everyone has a business card. But business cards do more than just give information on the person's job and career. In addition to the necessary contact information, including phone number, address, and fax number, a business card is a statement about yourself. When you created your own business card, spend the time to make sure it reflects something of your own personality and creativity, either though a small picture, a well-chosen design, or just the simplicity of a quiet card. Make your business card memorable and people will be more likely to remember and contact you.

Ask Advice, Not Help: One of the most common mistakes made by people attempting to use their list of personal contacts is to be too straightforward with requests. If you are looking for a job or internship, if you'd like to get a choice position in a firm or just have a summer job, it is often not the best method to simply ask people if they can hire you. Instead, ask your contacts to talk about their own experiences, what they've learned and how they've gotten where they are today. Feel free to talk about your position and skills, and your desire to find a job, but resist the urge to ask straight out. If they have a job opening or know of some opportunity to help you, they should suggest it themselves.

Remember Names: This may seem like a no-brainer, but people really appreciate it when you remember their names. If you have exchanged business cards or numbers, write a shot description of them to help job your memory. You may also want to include some personal information, as you learn it, such as birthday, names of children, or hobbies, to help build up a personal relationship. Though it may seem over-used, people really do appreciate being asked about their family and loved ones, or being told about the latest developments in their personal interests.

Cocktail Parties: An ever-present function with a seemingly endless supply of people to meet and conversations to pursue, you should look at cocktail parties as a way to broaden your own list of personal contacts. Strike up a conversation with someone and find out what they do, where they are based, and what they are interested in. You may find that a simple conversation about hobbies turns into a strong businesses relationship. When meeting someone, try and find a common bond, a connection that you can build off of.

Follow-up Emails: If you have recently had a meeting or luncheon with someone, if they have put in a good word for you or helped you in some way, always always write a follow up email or letter. This just tells them that you appreciate their efforts, that you were happy to have met them. It reminds them of you, and tells them that you are considerate and organized enough to follow up. And finally, it encourages them for the next time they might be able to help you in some way. A follow up email or letter does not need to be along or overly dramatic letter, a simple note expressing thanks can go a long way.