Networking through Professional Development and Other Strategies
Did you know that networking provides access to career-related information, mentorship, and opportunities, which contribute to higher career satisfaction(1)? According to a 2017 LinkedIn study, 85% of jobs are filled through networking. However in that same study, nearly half of the participants said they don’t network simply because they don’t have enough time.
For many other people, networking is not something that comes naturally and can be a point of stress. This blog entry is a tiny crash course of how to take the pressure off yourself so you can go into a potential networking opportunity (like a professional development course through USM’s Professional Development Programs) without dreading it or destroying your calendar.
Try these strategies and see how you can expand your networking ability.
#1) Be Strategic and Objective
Before you look at any event listings or calendar invites, take a moment and ask yourself “Why do I want to network in the first place?” Examining our motivations brings clarity and focus to the goal we’re trying to achieve here.
Try finishing this sentence: “I’m networking in order to______”
- “See what job opportunities are available”
- “Grow my client list”
- “Be more visible to people in my field of interest”
- “Find a mentor”
Once you have your goal, take a step back and examine the opportunity with scientific curiosity. Determine if this opportunity aligns with my goals? If so, accept the invitation with a positive mindset.
#2) Go Prepared (Logistically and Emotionally)
Examine the details of the event and focus on practical preparation.
Logistical
- The distance from your home to the event
- A self-introduction under 30 seconds (see #3)
- What are conversations starters I can use such as:
- “What type of work do you do?”
- “I recently read an interesting article about [relevant topic]. Have you seen it?”
- “What’s the latest trend in your industry?”
Emotional
- “Cope Ahead” strategy – When I feel myself tense up, I will try deep breathing or take breaks by walking around the venue.
- Exit strategy – Once I’ve reached my limit, how best to excuse myself?
#3) Listen More Than You Speak. Always.
This holds true both in networking and in general. Think of yourself as an investigative reporter, and take yourself out of Main Character Mode. Use something from their introduction and form your first question.
- What’s your favorite thing about being a freelance artist?
- How long have you been a freelance artist?
- Have you ever done the First Friday Art Walk before?
- What medium of art do you create in?
#4) Be Authentic
While sharing what we do for a living is part of the networking landscape, more often than not we connect over shared passions and interests. A great way to bridge this conversational gap is to ask “What do you do to decompress at the end of a long day?” Have an answer for this ready to go for yourself (like what you plan to do once you’ve braved this networking event).
Last but not least is the step that everyone forgets — follow up with the people you made a connection with. Don’t wait too long to do this. Message them on their social media (ideally LinkedIn) and ask to set up a second meeting. It doesn’t have to be a big deal: an informal coffee or lunch is perfectly fine.
Networking is a skill just like any other; it takes trial, error and practice. Give yourself grace and go forth with confidence towards your next connection.
Resources
ORIGINAL RESEARCH article, Front. Psychol., 12 November 2018; Sec. Organizational Psychology, Volume 9 – 2018 | https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2018.02179