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“The single characteristic shared by all successful people is the ability to create and nurture a network of contacts!” states Harvey MacKay, best-selling author.
Harvey should know, since he built a multi-million dollar envelope business. Most people do not take time to build their network. Of those who do network, they do so in a haphazard manner. How can you network strategically in order to achieve your business or career goals?
Determine Goals
It starts with defining your goals. Why do you want to network? Networking has many benefits. Networking can help you find a job, get promoted, be more productive, gain new customers, and get repeat and referral business. What do you want to accomplish through networking? Are you looking for a job? If so, then networking is crucial. Eighty-five percent of jobs are found through word-of-mouth. Do you want to get promoted to the next level? Do you want to build your client base? Be very clear about your goals.
Research Organizations/Groups
Next determine who you want to network with. That, of course, is based upon your goal. If you want to get a job, you need to get in contact with hiring managers. If you want to build your client base, you need to identify your ideal client. Where are you most likely to find these people? What organizations or groups might they belong to? Let’s say you want to network with others in your profession to broaden your horizons outside of your company and learn what others are doing. Then visit an organization dedicated to your profession. Do research on the Internet to find professional organizations or industry associations that fit your needs.
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Kathleen Barton
Keynote speaker, workshop presenter, and coach
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| "These steps – determining your goals, researching organizations/groups, preparing for events, and joining & getting involved in organizations – will help you to make the most of your networking time."
- Kathleen
Barton |
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Prepare for Events
Choose organizations or groups to visit. But before you visit, do your homework. Find out as much as possible about the event. When and where will the event be held? Who will attend? Will a meal be served? Will there be a speaker? How will introductions be handled – formally or informally? The more you know about the event, the more comfortable you’ll feel.
Keep in mind what you want to accomplish by attending this event. Then identify the types of people you want to meet. Maybe you’re launching a new technology at work, and you want to meet someone who has expertise in that particular technology. Maybe you want to build your client base, and you want to meet people who have a need for your product or service.
How will you introduce yourself? How you come across in the first 30 seconds determines how the rest of the conversation will go. Introduce yourself in a way that will capture attention and get people interested in learning more about you. Most people introduce themselves by sharing their name, title, and organization. This is a missed opportunity! This only conveys information and doesn’t help people connect with you. Instead describe what you do (in plain and simple language) and the value you bring.
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For example, rather than say you’re an Information Specialist with ABC Corporation, you might say something like this. “I provide timely and accurate data to my internal customers so they can make better decisions.”
Finally, identify what you have to offer. Keep in mind that networking is a two-way street. How can you help others? Can you offer your expertise, contacts, or encouragement? A colleague of mine offered to drive the association meeting’s speaker to the airport. By doing so, he was able to “pick the speaker’s brain” during the two-hour drive to the airport.
Join an Organization and Get Involved
You’ve done your homework. You’ve investigated organizations and prepared for your first meeting. Attend the professional organization or networking meeting. How does this organization meet your needs? How easily can you connect with people?
Choose an organization to join. But don’t stop there; get involved in the organization. You get what you put into the organization. Volunteer for a committee or even a board position. Not only will you get to know others, but, more importantly, they will get to know you. Therefore they will be more likely to recommend you for a job or refer you to a potential client.
These steps – determining your goals, researching organizations/groups, preparing for events, and joining & getting involved in organizations – will help you to make the most of your networking time. By taking a strategic approach to networking you will achieve your career/business goals and build some really great relationships in the process! |
| Kathleen Barton is a keynote speaker, workshop presenter, and coach who heads her own firm, The Success Connection, specializing in purpose/passion, maximizing potential, career success, and work/life balance. She is also the author of Connecting with Success and The Balancing Act: Managing Work & Life audio/workbook. She can be reached at
www.the-success-connection.com
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