Networking tends to be exhausting. It takes strategy, practice, a good attitude, and a lot of patience. But at the end of the day, there is only so far that a good resume can take you. For us to achieve career growth and thrive in the market that we live in today, it is imperative for everyone to have substantially good networking skills. The following tips provide some insight on how to improve your networking skills so you can grow your list of professional contacts and connections and build a successful career.
- Keep it real – Authenticity is the keywhen it comes to having a sound networking game. The very root of networking is about connecting with other people, finding common ground, and exploring the mutual interests you have with others. So, don’t overthink it. It’s less about coming off as smart and powerful and more about being present and interested in others. Be yourself, ask questions and be genuinely interested and invested in the people you connect with.
- All for one – Be a team player. A connection you make is aimed at mutual benefit so never shy away from offering help or working at something with other people. Contact your friends too if there is something that you know they can help out with. Keep yourself available to people. The entire purpose of networking is failed if you don’t.
- Quality over quantity – It’s much better to have 10 solid professional relationships than 100 new contacts. Relationships formed in real-life, over genuine mutual interests and common ground, are much more likely to bear fruit in the future. If your network is full of people you don’t really have a relationship with, you probably won’t be first in line to hear about a new job opportunity or get the inside scoop about a new start-up company, etc.
- Follow up and stay in touch –If you want to know how to improve your networking skills, learning to invest in following up is crucial. In professional networking, it is important that you stay in touch with your connections. Not only does it help you keep a tab on all the developments but it also makes way for the development of a strong connection. Every connection that you make is valuable for you and is a potential opportunity. Thus it is imperative that you stay in touch with them and follow up regularly. A quick email or phone call can go a long way.
- Set attainable goals – Setting weekly or monthly networking goals is an effective and practical way to benchmark your progress.If you’re developing connections, commit to connecting with one new person a week. Commit yourself to networking for a certain amount of hours each week. Whatever you decide, stick to your commitment. Even if you’re not currently searching for a job, continue to keep your contacts fresh and relevant by reaching out to one former colleague or one new potential contact each month.
Networking sure can be extremely grueling and testing at times but when it comes to opening you up to new approaches, ideas, or opportunities, nothing beats sound networking skills. With KorporateLadders, you can assuredly be equipped with the best tools to ace the networking game. With services such as content building for your online profiles, guidance on career planning and industry selection, and expert analysis of your personality and strengths, KorporateLadders will give you the edge over your competition. Click here to sign up and get the best assistance in building your professional network.
