You hear it everywhere – network, network, network. But what does it actually mean? What should you be doing to make sure you’re networking effectively to get results? Networking is an essential component of a successful career, no matter where you are in your professional journey. Here are some of our tips for how to make your networking most effective and successful:
Focus on the quality of your network.
The best networkers understand that the quality of their network is more important than its quantity. Focusing on making connections with individuals who offer a true value to you (whether it’s in the form of an industry connection, mentor, or employer contact), will be most beneficial throughout your career. Rather than spending absorbent amounts of time simply making new connections, be sure to make genuine relationship-building your top priority and remember to follow up and engage with individuals whom you meet at events or online.
Maintain your online presence.
With so much networking occurring in digital spaces, you can’t afford to maintain an active online presence in today’s workforce. This involves regularly updating your social media profiles and job board profiles, as well as posting any relevant information about your career status or industry involvement. Making a sustained effort to engage with your online network and offer pieces of valuable information on a weekly basis will demonstrate a commitment to your professional development and career growth.
Proactively add value.
Above all, it’s important to remember that networking is a two-way street. Neglecting to add value to your network can unfortunately detract from your own efforts to grow your career, resulting in missed opportunities – or worse, diminished relationships. There are many ways in which you can add value to others, such as sharing a useful article or piece of industry information; extending an invitation to an event, or offering to make a referral or introduction between two mutual contacts. The more value to offer to your network, the more value you’ll get in return!
By putting these networking tips into practice, you can significantly elevate your career, enhance your personal brand, and generate exciting career prospects!
Ready to grow your network and get your job search on the right track? Contact the Liberty Group and start discovering many new employment opportunities!