Follow these 6 networking tips for young professionals
1. Cast a wide net
Connecting with former college classmates and colleagues is a solid way to begin building your network, but it may not be enough. You don’t have to hand your business card to every stranger you exchange pleasantries with on the subway, but why not think bigger than the alumni finder on your favorite networking website? CollegeFeed recommends touching base with a wide breadth of people, including former high school teachers, community and religious leaders, and even your friends’ parents. Networking functions are another great way to meet new contacts.
2. Be likeable
Prospective employers are more likely to hire someone they like, but how can you be sure that someone is you? Being polite and on time is a start, but there are other tips. For example, Salesforce recommends asking contacts plenty of questions about themselves. This creates a comfortable environment for them — and an air of friendliness around you.
3. Be proactive
You’ve handed out your body weight in business cards. You’ve made every networking event and touched base with every semi-relatable contact you could think of. Time to sit back and wait for the calls to start rolling in, right? Wrong. The only way you can be sure opportunity knocks is to go calling — literally. Instead of waiting for the phone to ring, Forbes recommends calling new contacts and putting the ball in their court. You need not pester them, but even a brief voicemail is a welcome mat for potential contacts.
4. Be a follower
Remember when we suggested being likeable? Another way to do this — and create a positive impression — is to follow experts in your field. Follow them on Twitter. Follow their publication. Follow their careers on LinkedIn or in the news. Follow them in every professional capacity you can think of, and then let them know about it.
5. Be polished
That snazzy new blazer may help cement the right first impression at your next networking event or interview, but being polished extends far beyond your wardrobe. It means proofreading every email you send, being polite even three hours into a painfully boring conference and not drinking too much at that business mixer. It also means not making bad decisions elsewhere, especially on social media (a tool human resources pros and recruiters love to leverage).
6. Recalibrate now and again
Your current network may not always be the right one: As you grow and achieve more, so should your professional circle. Forbes recommends periodically asking yourself what you aim to accomplish, who can help you do it and why they should care to at all. This results-oriented thinking is what separates successful people from career coasters.