How to Network Successfully
“It’s not what you know, it’s who you know.” This adage is true for most industries across the professional working world and whether you are a graduate looking to place in your first job, or a seasoned veteran looking to move into a new role, networking is an essential tool that can help your career and create opportunities. Building a powerful professional network is a critical factor towards career success.
Include everyone
Your network should not be limited to just those within your industry or field of work. A good professional network should include personal friends, family members, acquaintances and referrals. Volunteer at an animal shelter, the soup kitchen or the library, or get involved with lifestyle groups such as the local surf lifesaving club or a book club – the people you meet socially may be able to help you professionally. Getting to know others outside your professional industry may lead to opportunities otherwise inaccessible to you. A varied network is a powerful one, and it will open you up to meeting all sorts of interesting characters.
Leverage existing networks
Your existing contacts are rich minefield of future networking. Perhaps your friend knows a PR contact that can be helpful to your new business, or your colleague can put you in touch with an accountant who can advise you on tax issues. Ask around the people you already know, and expand your network from there. The benefit of leveraging existing networks is that your mutual friend can serve as a smooth and friendly introduction. Work your way towards the tip of the pyramid – you will never get to the top unless you know people at the top.
Follow up
It takes time and effort to develop a network; simply passing around your business cards at a social gathering will not result in a powerful professional network. To build relationships, you must follow up and stay in touch with the people you meet. Send a friendly email every 3-6 months to catch up, either personally or professionally, after the first encounter. Developing relationships will require patience but the rewards are well worth it. Check on career opportunities whenever possible
Be organised
The most successful professional networks are developed by those who remember a potential client’s favourite restaurant, or the bosses’ daughters names. To help you remember those personal details, organise your contacts alphabetically either using index cards, a Rolodex, a notebook or even a computer database. Clip business cards to index cards and note down the personal details of each person you meet. You can also keep track of the last time you spoke and the issues you discussed, which will help to develop the relationship further.
Call back
A simple phone call is a powerful tool when developing a professional network. Make sure you return all calls and respond to email requests, letters of enquiry and voicemails promptly and politely. To develop a strong network, you will need to reciprocate to your contacts. Relationships are a two way street, so call your friends, clients, associates and acquaintances back!
Go online
Social media sites are an indispensable tool that can be used to build a powerful professional network. The internet is a rich source of contacts, and social media such as Facebook and Twitter can be used to increase your customer base, promote new products, conduct grassroots surveys or obtain fast feedback. Websites such as MySpace and LinkedIn work to expand your professional network. The former site is best for artists or musicians, whereas the latter is more commonly used by white collar professionals. You can join specific groups to meet people with the same interests, post links to your profile or portfolio of work and increase your visibility online.
