Many people dislike the idea of networking. The thought of walking into a room full of strangers and striking up conversations can feel intimidating and inauthentic. However, networking is a crucial component for career success.
Networking simply means expanding your professional relationships and connections. It’s about building rapport and exchanging information with others who share similar interests and goals. While networking events may seem awkward at first, there are ways to make the process more approachable.
This guide covers strategies to help networking feel more natural, even for those who dread the idea. By starting small with your existing contacts, focusing conversations on others, and making networking a consistent habit, you can build meaningful relationships. With practice, you may find networking events become an energizing way to strengthen your industry knowledge and expand possibilities.
While networking may not come instinctively for everyone, it offers immense value. Thoughtful networking leads to new professional opportunities, expertise, mentors and expanded perspectives. With the right mindset and techniques, you can learn to network effectively in a way that feels authentic.
Understand Your Networking Goals
Networking works best when you have clear goals guiding your efforts. Take some time upfront to get very specific on what you’d like to achieve through networking. This allows you to be intentional and focused, rather than just aimlessly attending events or trying to connect with everyone.
Some examples of potential networking goals include:
- Finding job or internship opportunities
- Generating leads and sales for your business
- Meeting collaborators for a project
- Securing speaking opportunities
- Gaining investors or funding
- Finding mentors or advisors
- Building partnerships and strategic relationships
With a clear goal defined, you can then identify which people, associations, events, and online platforms will be most likely to help you accomplish it. Networking stops feeling like a chore and becomes purposeful. You have an objective in mind that keeps you motivated and engaged.
Knowing your end goal also allows you to better evaluate if a particular opportunity or connection is worth your time and energy to pursue. Without an objective, it’s easy to spread yourself too thin trying to network with everyone. A defined purpose helps ensure efficiency and focus.
So before you dive into networking, take some time to get clear on what you want to achieve. Your efforts will become much more intentional, targeted, and effective with a specific goal in mind.
Start With Existing Connections
Most people already have a network they can start with – even if they don’t realize it. Your current connections are one of the easiest places to begin networking. Start by making a list of all the people you already know, including:
- Friends and family
- Current and former coworkers
- College and high school classmates
- Social media connections
- Members of groups or associations you belong to
Reach out to your existing contacts and let them know you are looking to expand your network. Ask if they can introduce you to any of their contacts who work in your industry or for companies you are interested in.
People are usually happy to make introductions, especially if you are specific about who you’d like to meet. For example, “Do you know anyone working in marketing at Company X you could connect me with?”
When asking for an introduction, explain how you know the person, why you’d like to connect with their contact, and what you’re hoping to get from the connection. Offer to return the favor in the future too.
Tapping into your current network is an easy, organic way to start expanding your connections. And those new contacts can then introduce you to their networks, helping you build relationships and opportunities.
Attend In-Person Networking Events
Many people are initially intimidated by the idea of walking into a room full of strangers and networking. However, attending in-person networking events can be one of the most effective ways to expand your network if done right.
The key is to start small by looking for informal, low-pressure networking events related to your interests, hobbies, community, or industry. For example, you could attend a local chamber of commerce mixer, developer meetup, neighborhood get-together, alumni event, nonprofit gala, or professional association gathering.
When attending events, focus more on learning about others, developing connections, and building relationships rather than handing out business cards to everyone you meet. Ask thoughtful questions, be a good listener, and look for shared interests and values. People are much more likely to remember the passionate photographer or dog lover they met versus someone who pitched their services all night.
Make the most out of in-person networking by setting a goal to have a handful of meaningful interactions and to follow up with your new connections afterward. Send an email recapping your conversation, connect on social media, or set up a coffee meeting to continue developing the relationship. Nurturing new networking contacts over time is key to maintaining your growing network.
Attending in-person events regularly can seem intimidating at first. But by starting small, focusing on shared interests, and following up thoughtfully after, you can make meaningful connections that will expand your network.
Network Online
The internet provides numerous opportunities to connect with others in your industry or field of interest. Platforms like LinkedIn, Twitter, industry forums, Facebook groups, and more enable you to network and build relationships from anywhere.
LinkedIn can be invaluable for professional networking. Completing your profile thoroughly allows others to find you based on shared connections, interests, skills, and more. Engage on the platform by commenting on posts, joining Groups, and connecting with new people. Offer advice and insights to establish your expertise.
On Twitter, search for relevant hashtags and accounts to follow. Share content and start conversations with others in your niche. Provide value by tweeting useful articles, insights, and advice. Participate in Twitter chats organized around specific topics.
Industry forums and online groups also present networking opportunities. Introduce yourself and actively participate by answering questions and providing helpful information. Share relevant articles and resources that others would find valuable.
The key is to focus on building connections and relationships, not just promoting yourself. Provide advice, insights and useful resources without expectation. Be helpful and engage in genuine interaction and discussion. Over time, you’ll develop meaningful networking relationships online.
Focus on Giving, Not Just Getting
Successful networking is about developing mutually beneficial relationships, not just exploiting connections. Focus on how you can offer help, advice, or referrals without expecting anything immediate in return. Networking is most effective when you genuinely aim to assist others.
For example, if you meet someone who needs a web developer, connect them to someone in your network who fits their needs. Or, share an insightful article that can help them with a current challenge. Look for opportunities to provide value for new connections without asking for favors.
People will remember and appreciate your generosity. So when the time comes that you need something, don’t hesitate to ask for help in return. The most meaningful business relationships are built on reciprocity. But the key is to give freely with no strings attached, and the goodwill will come back around.
Approach networking as a way to expand your positive impact. Seek to be a valuable resource for your network connections.
