Networking can feel like a chore unless you know my secrets. Keep reading to find out how to step up your game with my killer networking tips.
Step up Your Business Savvy with These Killer Networking Tips
Shift Your Mindset.
Instead of thinking about networking as going to awkward cocktail parties with fellow professionals, think about it as meeting friends, future colleagues, and mentors. Focus on cultivating those relationships organically. If you are thinking about networking from a life-long perspective, it takes the pressure off to create a forced and instantaneous connection.
Ask for Help.
Whether you are looking for a job or a mentor, or anything in-between, ask for help. Post on social media, email your trusted network, or pick up the phone and give someone a call. You will probably be surprised by who is willing to help put you in touch with their old boss, refer you for a job, offer to hire you themselves, or even just give you some good old fashioned advice. You have to put what you want out into the universe to receive it.
Use LinkedIn.
Make sure your profile represents the version of yourself you want the professional world to see. Write a killer bio introducing yourself and make sure all of your previous work experience is detailed and accurate. Connect with former and current coworkers and send messages of support when they change roles. Quick-and-easy touchpoints like that are meaningful and memorable. Pay attention to what other people are doing with their lives, and acknowledge it, and it will come back around to you.
Find Others Who Have Your Dream Job.
Use LinkedIn and search for people with your dream career or company. Then make a game plan and start networking with those people. Find out what differentiates their skillset or background from yours, and then take some classes if you need to, or continue to evolve your career to one day be able to have your dream job and life.
How has networking helped you? Tweet me @lorenridinger and let’s chat.
