Networking has been my career's magic key, unlocking many doors. Remember when the tech boom went bust? A friend saved the day, offering me a gig. When that office was closing, another friend helped me land at a bank in training and development. The story gets spicier. Post-bank takeover, nearly our entire team faced layoffs. That's when a friend, the same one who introduced me to my amazing wife (thanks, Jennifer!), pointed me to JUF, starting a fabulous 15-year chapter. Now, as I’m shaping my business, an army of helpers have been incredible, and I've relished paying it forward.
Most folks are wonderful, eager to introduce you to their contacts after just a short meeting. There are some, however, who reach out only when they need something, and suddenly your messages seem to disappear into a black hole. They're the minority, luckily. Here's how to be a networking star, and I’m all ears for your tips too!
1. Help First: My buddy Jonny, the human Rolodex, personifies this. He’s always there to make connections, no questions asked. If you see a job post on LinkedIn or another opportunity, try and pass it along to a friend or acquaintance.
If someone asks me for an intro, I almost always oblige. If I barely know a contact, I'll still try, but I will offer a heads-up about my limited relationship. Remember, always ask permission before connecting people, unless you're tight with them.
2. Reply, Reply, Reply: If you're swamped, be upfront about it. Ignoring/ghosting someone ruins your reputation – word gets around. Networking doesn’t always mean long conversations. Think short and sweet, like a 15-minute chat. And if you sense someone is trying to make an unsolicited sales pitch, ask for an email first.
3. Ask for Help: Don't be shy to seek assistance. Networking's a two-way street. I recently met with leaders of strategic philanthropy firms, and despite our similar fields, they were incredibly open and helpful. A friend a few years ahead of me has been super helpful and even hired me for a few coaching sessions.
Most people will not hesitate to help. Many will even suggest, “look at my LinkedIn connections, and let me know who you want to meet.” This is super helpful! Depending on what you are looking to do, you can use the search function in LinkedIn to find contacts in their network with specific titles.
4. Attendance Required: Whether it’s a physical event or a virtual one, showing up is half the battle. You never know who you might meet at these gatherings. Keep it light initially, then dive deeper with questions like "What’s your story?"
Having trouble finding good networking opportunities? There are great online networking groups like like H7, in-person groups like BNI, a ton of charity events, and you can always google your industry for ideas.
5. Quality Over Quantity: Focus on making a few meaningful connections rather than collecting a mountain of business cards. It's about creating lasting impressions and relationships.
6. The Secret to Impact: Post-event, a simple "great to meet you" message can work wonders. You can ask for a quick meeting and offer to connect on LinkedIn. Zooming or phone calls are great, but if possible, a 30 minute coffee can have a tremendous effect. With many of us working from home, a face-to-face meeting can be energizing. If your company uses a customer or donor management tool, make sure to capture key details. And don’t forget to thank them for making time to meet.
Now go and network! Offer help, create impactful introductions, ask for assistance, and follow-up. This approach fosters mutually beneficial relationships, turning professional encounters into lasting connections. 🌟🎩🎉
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