Networking is an art form, however the formula for successful networking can be quite simple. The opportunity to network is everywhere if you’re ready for it. Here are some tips to help you prepare for networking and leave a lasting impression:
Start networking before you need it
This is crucial – it’s not common to meet someone and get a job recommendation for the perfect position five minutes later. You must allow for time to nurture your relationships with your connections. Start networking in college with your professors, guest speakers in lectures, networking event on and off campus with alumni or local associations. After college, you should always be looking for your next connection and continuing to foster the connections you have.
Have a plan
Whether you’re walking into a structured networking event, or meeting a colleague’s major connection at random while out at lunch together, you must have a clear idea of who you are and what you want so you can communicate that clearly. Every once in a while, perform a little self-evaluation of your strengths, what you can bring to the table – any table – and keep your short-term and long-term goals in mind. Turn this into a personal elevator pitch (should be less than 30 seconds, and give anyone a great idea of who you are, what you can do, and what you want).
If you are headed to a networking event, such as a career fair, know who will be there, and do your research. Going the extra mile and showing your interest can really set you apart from your peers.
Pro Tip: at career fairs, make a list of your top contacts or booths you want to visit, and go to your LEAST favorite FIRST. This way, you work out your jitters and perfect your elevator pitch before you get to your dream company, and you’ll be that much more poised and prepared.
Bring your business cards
Always have your business cards on you. Always. In college, you may not have formal business cards offered through your program, but you can likely get some printed at your career center, or reasonably priced online. If you’re between positions, it would be very beneficial to have
Show genuine interest
Never dismiss anyone as unimportant. There is so much you can learn from each and every person you connect with. If they are chatty, you can use the information they share with you to connect with them later and express common ground or interests.
Figure out how you can be useful
Networking is a two-way street. As the saying goes “I’ll scratch your back if you scratch mine”, and you’ve got to be willing, if not eager, to scratch first without expectations of an immediate return. If they see value in their own connection with you, they’ll be far more likely to engage with you when you follow up.
Follow up and follow through
On your way home from the networking event, or as soon after as possible, write down memorable points from your conversation with each contact – it could be anything from a funny joke to an important question they asked, just something to jog your memory later. Write it in the notes app on your phone, the back of their business card, whatever you need to do. But there’s nothing worse than sitting down to follow up and forgetting which one asked for your resume to pass along for that great internship.
Inversely, if someone follows up with you, don’t wait a week to respond. Be prompt and be proactive: make plans to meet for coffee, suggest a blog they may enjoy, or offer to connect them with a colleague who may have similar interests.
Perhaps the most important advice is to be yourself. Lasting relationships grow out of organic conversations and natural common interests and goals. Not everyone is going to be a great contact – don’t be down on yourself if someone doesn’t respond to your follow-up. Every time you network, you will learn something new about yourself and about who you want to connect with, so get out there and grow that network, girl. The sooner you start, the sooner you will reap the benefits.
About the Author
Allison Buehner is a Marketing Specialist for Comcast in Chicago. Her passion lies in using data to improve communication and enhance brand awareness in an effective and engaging way to reach the intended audience. She is a graduate of Illinois State University with a Bachelor’s degree in Organizational and Leadership Communication Studies and a minor in Business Administration.
Allison served as the youngest Director on the national board for the AWC 2016-2018. She continues her work with AWC as a co-Chair of the Marketing Communications Committee for AWC.
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2 thoughts on “You know networking is important, but are you doing it right?”
So true Allison, great advice!
Thanks, Christy!