How to master the art of networking to advance in your career
There are many ways to network.
You can do it online, at conferences, through social media, at business events and parties, in your local community and even with your family and friends. No matter where you're networking, it can feel daunting, even may even give you the ick, but really all networking is having a conversation with someone. Which you do all the time and it can be helpful to see it as connecting and talking instead. When you are reaching out with a specific intention there are a few best practices that will help you to feel comfortable, do it with intention and respect and maximise every opportunity.
Whether you're looking for a new job or trying to grow your business, it's important to understand how networking works and how to make it work for you.
Networking is one of the most important skills for any professional. It can be a great way to build your career and find new opportunities. But many people are afraid to network because they worry it will be awkward or uncomfortable. According to HubSpot, 85% of jobs are filled through networking. In fact, according to CNBC, 70% of jobs are never published publicly. Like they say, it’s not what you know it’s who you know.
The good news is that you can become great at networking if you follow a few simple rules. Here are my top tips for mastering the art of networking:
1) Don't focus on what's in it for you
See networking as learning and making valuable connections. It’s not about what someone else can do for you or what you can get out of any given situation.
2) Prepare your questions to be intentional.
This will show that you are interested in what they have to say, and will make them feel good about talking to you. This will vary depending on the event or conversation.
For more general networking you can't just walk into a networking event and expect everyone to start talking about themselves. Therefore, you need to ask questions so that people know you're interested in them. If you're meeting someone for the first time, ask them about their business or job title at their company. Also, you can ask them what they're working on right now, or what they're excited about in their personal life.
3) Do your research.
Research the person or the company they work for before you meet with them. LinkedIn is your friend here or their company profile. There is no point in finding something out about someone with the limited time you may have with them discovering something you could have found out beforehand. As a result, it will make the conversation much richer in detail and information. It will be MUCH nicer for the individual giving you their time and show a level of respect that makes them more inclined to help you in the future.
4) Be genuine and authentic.
The best way to approach networking is by being yourself. That means showing up with an open mind, being friendly and not trying too hard to impress anyone. You don't have to be an extrovert or salesperson; just be yourself.
5) Be honest about who you are and what you do
Honesty and integrity will get you far in networking, be yourself and let your personality come through. Your uniqueness is what makes you.
6) Follow up with them.
Firstly, if you have reached out on LinkedIn to ask somebody about their career journey because you would like to know more about how they got into that industry. Be sure to follow up with a personal email or note and thank them for their time and share with them how it has been helpful to you and what has possibly been a result of that information don’t forget to mention that if there is ever anything you can do for them. Don’t forget networking is a two-way street.
In summary, being intentional, inquisitive and kind are the key elements of how to master the art of networking.
If you’re looking for help with how to master the art of networking, hop on a free 30-minute call where you can book a 1-month intensive coaching to support you to create an epic network. I have email scripts and the best strategy to share with you.
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Sarah is a Career Change Coach. She helps women breakthrough and pivot in their career. Whether you're not networking, developing your own work or side hustle! Stop feeling like you don’t know where to start and reach out!
Sarah has a Masters in Psychology and is both accredited by and a member of the British Psychological Society. She has experience working with the military and corporate sector in recovery, transition, leadership, and mentoring.
