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How to improve your career through networking strategies

How to improve your career through networking strategies

Professional networking is an essential skill for people in all industries. The people you meet can advise you on your next career move, act as references for new jobs, and mentor you in many different ways. You can develop meaningful relationships with more experienced professionals in your field through many networking strategies. Learning about networking strategies, which ones you can use, and tips for successful networking to help you achieve your goals.

What are networking strategies?

Networking strategies are plans and actions that help people meet others and establish relationships within their industries. Networking relationships are often mutually beneficial for all people involved. Even when one professional has more experience, both individuals can let each other know about career opportunities, exchange references and advice, and help each other learn new skills. Networking can also help you develop relationships that last for your career beyond just one job. According to CNBC, about 80% of jobs get filled with help from networking and personal connections. 

Types of networking strategies

Networking successfully can often be challenging, and learning more about the networking strategies available can help you form lasting relationships with co-workers and colleagues. Explore some of the most effective types of networking strategies:

Attend a networking group

Networking groups help people from various industries and professions meet and exchange information. People in different companies can often help each other by choosing individuals they're already familiar with as business partners. For example, a builder of new residential properties could select someone from a networking group as a lumber supplier, creating a mutually beneficial relationship for both parties.

Some networking groups have specific planned activities during each meeting, and others can be more casual. People may meet for coffee or drinks at a local cafe, or they could get to know each other at a regular meeting spot. These groups often meet monthly, biweekly, or weekly. Attending one or more can help you meet new people, make friends, and build your network.

Join one or more industry groups

Many industries have their groups of working professionals. Members of these groups can often network more efficiently with members from similar organizations. Like more general networking groups, they can help facilitate relationships between professionals. They can also make sharing industry strategies and learning from others easier while encouraging positive relationships between competitors' employees in the same field. Members of industry groups often have everyday responsibilities and interests because the companies they work for offer similar products and services in similar markets.

Joining an industry group can also increase your reputation with potential clients or customers. Many of these groups are known for containing the best, most successful people in their field. They may require a particular amount of experience in an industry or other accomplishments. Many professionals advertise their membership in industry groups to customers as a quick way to let people know they're qualified and experienced in their field.

Use social media

Many social media platforms have tools to help professionals network with other community members and people within their industry. Some career resource platforms, such as CareerBuilder, are designed for work-related connections. You can create an account and upload your resume to showcase your qualifications, network with others, and advance your career. You can also get helpful advice about searching for a job and networking in various industries.

Social media also provides an easy way to stay in touch with members of your organization that you don't collaborate with often and employees of businesses that you previously worked with in some professional capacity. You can contact people quickly to ask for references or advice and help others just as efficiently.

Create and grow a database with all of your professional contacts

For many people, professional contacts include members of their organization, hiring managers who interviewed them, members of partner organizations, members of networking or industry groups, and former managers and co-workers. A database of your professional contacts is a list with information about these people, including:

  • Names
  • Phone numbers
  • Email addresses
  • Business addresses
  • Business names
  • Social media usernames
  • Any significant accomplishments or awards they received

You could meet many people in the course of your career, and you may spend several years without communicating with some of the people in your network. A database of professional contacts can make getting in touch with the people in your network more efficient. Along with professional information, you can include more personal facts in your database to help improve your relationships with others. For example, a note about a former co-worker's favorite restaurant could help you decide where to invite the individual to lunch when asking for a reference letter.

"Sending an email is a great way to introduce yourself to new contacts who could become valuable components of your network."

Attend conventions and conferences

Conventions and conferences often occur throughout the year, and they provide opportunities for professionals within the same industry to:

  • Attend talks and learn valuable facts about the industry
  • Meet new people
  • Start new projects and partnerships
  • Participate in fun, relaxing activities like karaoke or bowling
  • Learn about the most recent advances in the industry

Send professional emails

Sending an email is a great way to introduce yourself to new contacts who could become valuable components of your network. A friendly introduction with some information about the reason for your email could help facilitate the connection. You can also use email to stay in touch with people you already know and send the same message to multiple people simultaneously. For example, you could take a poll about the latest trends or suggest a time and place for a meeting.

When you write to individuals in your network, ask them about their most recent work activities and share some of your own. This correspondence can help you keep the relationship positive and productive.

Offer your assistance

Helping others can make them more willing to help you. Many people are grateful for years when someone from their network tells them about a new job opening, introduces them to a colleague, or assists them in other ways. They often look for ways to return the favor.

Giving professional advice, agreeing to act as a reference, or helping someone write a resume or cover letter can take little effort, and the rewards can be significant. Helping others also improves your reputation, making new people more willing to approach you and ask if you want to join their network.

Tips for successful networking

Discover some networking tips that can help you make the strategies you choose more successful:

  • Schedule meetings with people far in advance, and make sure you're early or on time to make a good impression.
  • Have your contact information and digital or physical copies of your resume ready to give to the people you meet.
  • Practice a short pitch highlighting your best accomplishments and skills, and be prepared to give it to professionals you encounter at a moment's notice.
  • Make an excellent first impression by dressing professionally and standing up for an elbow bump or handshake when you meet someone for the first time.

These effective networking strategies can help you improve your skills and form lasting partnerships that help you accomplish your goals. Whether you own your own business, have been an employee at the same company for years, or are searching for a new job, you can make yourself more successful with effective networking strategies.

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