Network Your Way To Success
A good network of contacts is, without a doubt, one of the most effective ways to find a job, excel in your current job, or even to find a new house or good day-care. Text by Donna Kipps
Even if you’re not looking for a new job, you should be networking: not only will you build up good contacts, but networking can help you do even better at your current job. Imagine how impressed your employer would be the next time he or she is faced with a problem, if you could supply the contact details of somebody who can help.
For most people, however, the very idea of networking – casually chatting to total strangers – is terrifying. As with everything, there’s a right way and a wrong way to go about it, and some easy shortcuts to getting started. So how can you network for success?
1. Start Meeting The Right People
Join professional organizations and groups, go to meetings and events and socialise with your colleagues. Most industries have associations and their meetings are packed full of the movers and shakers in that field. Social events can also hook you up with the right people – but only if you mingle and chat to people about what they do. You might be surprised – many a great business opportunity and valuable contact has been formed at a dinner party or braai.
2. Make Each Meeting Count
Needless to say, it’s useless meeting all these great contacts if you don’t make a good impression or – even worse – if you don’t remember them the next time you meet. It’s vital to follow up on every contact you make, no matter how small or unimportant it seems. You should ask people for their cards and when you have a minute, write a short note to yourself on the back of the card to remind you of who the person is and what you talked about.
3. Do Your Homework
Find out who’s likely to be at a party or meeting so that you can target specific people and be sure to meet them. Do some research and find information on that person, their company and their industry.
4. Mind Your Manners
Networking is all about making good impressions. There’s a time and a place for everything so don’t push it! Don’t pass out business cards during a meal or interrupt someone’s conversation to talk about business, and don’t just talk about yourself!
5. Don’t Push Too Hard
Be honest and sincere rather than pushy or arrogant. The last thing people want is to feel harassed and used. Talk about other topics as well as business. Voice your own opinions rather than agreeing with everything they say just to impress them.
6. Be Generous About Sharing Knowledge And Contacts
Give other people advice when they want it, share referrals and knowledge. You’re not just networking to pass around your CV. You want more – information, advice, opinions, a long-term relationship.
Although striking up conversation with new contacts may be intimidating at first, it gets easier as time goes by and you gain experience and confidence.
