NETWORKING

So, what is networking? Networking is taking every opportunity to interact with friends, colleagues, acquaintances and those in your intended career field. It is a two-way stream of information that when done correctly, can have positive results for both sides.

Here are some tips for starting to network.

To improve your chances of making a favorable “first” impression:
Take stock of your accomplishments, values, strengths, skills and vision. What would make them take interest in you? Create a verbal business card that includes your greatest strengths. Practice presenting this. Printing business cards to hand out is also a good idea.

Make sure to be ready to network any place.
This could be while you’re waiting in line at stores, waiting rooms or your hair stylist. Ask people you know for recommendations on whom you could consider meeting. Set a goal to talk with at least five people. Professional associations hold great potential. Make sure to join and try to attend local events sponsored by the association. Volunteer for charitable organizations and to be on committees.

Have things to talk about:
Try to have a meaningful conversation by putting aside your personal agenda and focusing on the other person. Ask them questions about their work, how business is going, etc. If it is an event sponsored by an organization, research the organization so you can include that information in your conversation. This will help you to become more comfortable when meeting recruiters/prospective employers for the first time.

Make sure to follow up.
Schedule time to follow up with a personalized e-mail, note or phone call. Networking is also about continuing to keep those relationships alive: Clip a newspaper article that you think would be helpful.
Send a card or a phone call offering support.
E-mail information about a subject area that person is interested in.

The point is to practice good communication skills on a consistent basis and be ready to use those skills in any situation. The most important thing is to follow up, otherwise a casual conversation will never lead to a business relationship. Some tips for networking anywhere:

1. Speak up. Find a happy medium between being shy and pushy.
2. Practice something to start the conversation with-like the weather. Avoid anything controversial.
3. Offer something. If someone drops something, pick it up. Share information.
4. Always carry and use business cards. Establish a system for filing business cards that you receive.
5. Follow up appropriately and express appreciation to your contacts. Send notes of congratulations for promotions, new jobs and any noteworthy events.