Networking: 5 helpful tips
26 May 2011
Read by 1669 persons
To succeed, it's not enough to have the right knowledge and skills; it's also important to know the right people. Networking is becoming increasingly important. Perhaps a contact's company is looking for someone to help them with a project. Or maybe your neighbor saw your resume for an application and you can chat with them. Here are some helpful networking tips.
1. Set goals. If you're a salesperson, for example, promise yourself to set three appointments at a business event. Are you looking for a new challenge within the company? Then, for example, you can take advantage of a company party to try and chat a bit with the manager of the department where you would like to work…
2. Want to network during an event? Don't talk about the weather, but try to start a professional conversation. For example, say: 'You work at X, didn't you recently run a major campaign?' Try to have a relaxed conversation, don't force the person to say things and don't talk too much yourself. The secret to networking is to find the right balance between your own interests and those of the other person!
3. At the end of the conversation, exchange business cards, but only if the conversation was pleasant. Don't just put them away in your office, but do something with them. Networking is useless if you don't do anything with it afterwards. Maintain your contacts by scheduling regular meetings.
4. Networking isn't just done at the restaurant! Would you like to meet someone from your network to discuss something? A traditional meal obviously always works, but why not do something else? Nowadays, many managers go cycling or another active occupation together. Maybe this is a great activity for you to get to know someone better and see if you can bring something to each other professionally.
5. Networking isn't limited to office hours. Maybe you don't have to look too far… Maybe it's also in your existing network, in your circle of friends or in your neighborhood, people who work for a company you'd like to collaborate with.
Good luck expanding and maintaining your network. We hope you become a true networking specialist
Posted on May 26, 2011
Stepstone.fr
1. Set goals. If you're a salesperson, for example, promise yourself to set three appointments at a business event. Are you looking for a new challenge within the company? Then, for example, you can take advantage of a company party to try and chat a bit with the manager of the department where you would like to work…
2. Want to network during an event? Don't talk about the weather, but try to start a professional conversation. For example, say: 'You work at X, didn't you recently run a major campaign?' Try to have a relaxed conversation, don't force the person to say things and don't talk too much yourself. The secret to networking is to find the right balance between your own interests and those of the other person!
3. At the end of the conversation, exchange business cards, but only if the conversation was pleasant. Don't just put them away in your office, but do something with them. Networking is useless if you don't do anything with it afterwards. Maintain your contacts by scheduling regular meetings.
4. Networking isn't just done at the restaurant! Would you like to meet someone from your network to discuss something? A traditional meal obviously always works, but why not do something else? Nowadays, many managers go cycling or another active occupation together. Maybe this is a great activity for you to get to know someone better and see if you can bring something to each other professionally.
5. Networking isn't limited to office hours. Maybe you don't have to look too far… Maybe it's also in your existing network, in your circle of friends or in your neighborhood, people who work for a company you'd like to collaborate with.
Good luck expanding and maintaining your network. We hope you become a true networking specialist
Posted on May 26, 2011
Stepstone.fr
