When I worked in Corporate America my boss used to tell us to network. Sounded like a great idea, but I really didn’t have a clue as to how to go about it. In this post, I will share what I wish I knew about networking twenty years ago.
First of all, network is about establishing relationships. If you understand that, then you can pretty much skip the remainder of this post. Although the end goal of networking is personal gain (let’s be honest- otherwise why would you bother?) the method is all about relationships. In another words, networking is not the same as sales, although the desired end result is the same (more income). However, if you think you are “networking” by immediately asking a stranger to help you, you are sadly mistaken.
Students do this to me all of the time. On a regular basis I get random emails asking me for my time. Some of you know who I am because of this blog. Although I am complimented you consider me an expert on counselor education, you are going about asking for help entirely the wrong way. What would be preferable is for you to connect with me on social media, chat with me about shared interests and search for commonality. Then, if I can, I am much more likely to help you.
So, how do you network? Well, the first step is getting yourself out there. There are two ways to do this: in person and online. Ideally, you should do both. Find some local groups you can join, whether they are networking groups, professional groups, or even social groups. As for online, LinkedIn is by far the preferred platform for networking. Get a professional headshot and set up your profile!
The second step is establishing relationships. Once you are online or at an event, start conversations. Don’t lead with your sales pitch or what you are wanting from the person. Instead, lead with questions about them. If possible, research who is attending the event beforehand and decide who you would like to meet. Set a goal for yourself. Once you encounter the person, be sure to mention something about their profile or business. This will get the conversation going in the right direction. Do not spend all evening talking to one person, and do not bring a friend, as you are likely to spend all evening with your friend and not meet anyone. Toward the end of the conversation, be sure to ask them for their business card.
The final step is to follow-up. Many of us go to networking events, collect a pile of cards, and then don’t have a clue what to do next. Follow-up is essential. Send an email, make a phone call, and/or connect on social media, whatever you are most comfortable doing. Tell the person how nice it was to meet them, and that you’d like to set a time in the next week or two to talk to them further about _____ (shared interest or your topic of conversation). When you are attending an event, plan to have time available in the next week to follow up with the contacts that you have made.
Those were the basics. To read more about networking tips, check out Tiffanie Kellog’s blog.
Yours in the Joy of Knowledge,
Dr. Barbara LoFrisco
