7 Networking Tips for Professional Growth
The key to long-term professional success is having a solid network. Making yourself known and respected in the local community will open up a variety of doors for your career. The simple fact is: the more people you know, the more collective experience and support you have.
Connecting with industry leaders and peers can provide you with unique growth and learning opportunities. Whether you’re trying to climb the corporate ladder, looking for a new job, or determined to expand your skill set, here are 7 networking tips that will help you leverage your professional growth.
Put Yourself Out There
Coronavirus may have changed the way many of us network and do business, but there are still numerous ways to safely connect with others. One of the ways you can still put yourself out there is by attending virtual workshops, events, and conferences. Virtual events give you the opportunity to build professional relationships and socialize with industry professionals without being face-to-face.
Always Follow-Up
If you have a good conversation with a contact, don’t hesitate to reach out with a phone call, email them an interesting industry-specific article, or connect with them on social media. After your initial introduction, spend some time researching your contact on LinkedIn’s Advanced Search and send an invitation to connect. Make sure to customize your invitation to the individual, don’t use a script or one-size-fits-all template. These extra steps are a personal touch that shows interest and initiative.
Nurture Your Relationships
In a world of conference calls and Zoom meetings, it can be easy to put your professional relationships on the back-burner. Networking is an integral aspect of your career development, so set time aside to talk and collaborate with your peers on a regular basis. Make time to reach out to people and spark authentic conversations. Remember to always be respectful and assist others whenever possible, not just when it’s convenient. By staying in touch with others and making yourself available when they need you, it becomes easier to leverage your network when you new opportunities arise.
Social Media Is King
When it comes to networking, fostering online relationships through social media is as easy as it gets. Online communities are a great way to make a lot of connections, all at once. There are thousands of industry-specific communities on LinkedIn and Facebook you can join. These online groups have forums where you can ask questions, converse with other group members, or organize a meet-up. When you’re involved in these groups, craft thoughtful responses to posts, answer group polls, and attend events when you can.
Webinars for the Win
Tons of organizations have moved online to host meetups and networking events. So, why not join professional organizations and meetups in your field? You can volunteer, host, and co-host events or you can volunteer to speak and facilitate panel discussions or a masterclass. Doing so raises your visibility in your field and establishes you as a notable resource.
Also, you can pick from the endless selection of free webinars, many of which allow you to see and chat with the other participants. When you’re a part of any webinar or online workshop, ask thought-provoking questions and comment on other peoples’ questions, if you feel so inclined. Be engaged, but also listen to your peers. And most importantly, always be respectful and appropriate with anything you say or write. You have to be prepared to show your best self, no matter what. Don’t do anything that could tarnish your reputation.
Always Put Your Best Self Forward
If you decide to hop on a phone call, you have less to worry about. However, if you opt for a Zoom call, make yourself and your background presentable and be fully present with the other person. Dress professionally and be camera-ready, and check your background, lighting, and sound beforehand. While you’re on the phone call or Zoom call, don’t allow yourself to be distracted by background noise, and agree on an end time in advance. Once you’re in the conversation, listen intently and be mindful how much you speak. Strive to add as much value to the other person as you’re hoping to receive.
Join the LI Center Community
The LI Center provides a unique networking opportunity for women entrepreneurs, businesswomen, and women leaders in their industries and professions. We believe networking is essential for professional success, and we value the relationships we build within our community. With a solid network, you will be encouraged and inspired to meet challenges and make the most of professional opportunities. You can learn more about becoming a LI Center member here.