How to Network: 10 Tips
Looking for advice on how to network? Here's a tip: It's not a numbers game, though in this age of metrics, it’s tempting for you as a job hunter to seek solace in the sheer numbers of your efforts: 200 job postings answered, 300 resumes mailed, 400 social media connections collected for the purposes of professional networking.
But if you think about how these brute-force employment campaigns affect the professional on the other side of the desk—the HR recruiter, the networking contact in a powerful position—it quickly becomes apparent that the rack-up-the-numbers networker is on the wrong track. That’s because employers are always looking to select a very few outstanding professionals from a tidal wave of good people who just want a job.
So in the end, the quality-oriented networker—the thoughtful individual who always tries to give better than they get—should have the advantage. Here are 10 tips to keep in mind as you emphasize quality over quantity in your quest to grow your professional network.
1. Quantity Is a Turnoff
If you hand out business cards and social media invites like you're dealing poker, most folks will fold. In fact, speed networking probably does not yield the best return on your investment of time. These types of "quantity networkers" don't actually understand how to network properly and quickly turn into forgettable names. If all you're after is your next consulting gig, few people will want to know you.
2. Don't Work the Room
Don’t kid yourself: If you’re always on the lookout for the next professional hookup, people will take offense. If you're making small talk with someone but spending a bulk of the conversation looking to see who's behind them, be prepared for lots of cold shoulders. The same rule applies to the digital realm. Connecting with someone only to ask them for an introduction to their famous friend is a no-go.
3. Take Time to Make a Real Connection
When you and a new acquaintance seem attuned, take time to explore how you might help each other out. After all, you're both trying to figure out how to network successfully. Don't assume that walking away from a networking opportunity with just one contact means you didn't maximize your time. Even one hour with one good contact makes it worthwhile.
4. Make Your Case for Building a Relationship
Recognize that if you’re between jobs, you probably have more discretionary time than most of your valuable networking contacts do. People are busy, so unless you give someone a compelling reason for them to meet with you, they very likely won’t make the time. Work hard to make yourself useful.
5. Exchange Stories
Don't forget that you are more than the professional summary at the top of your resume. Learning how to network is about sharing your story and talking up your unique value. What can you do better than anybody else? If you're considering a career change, what new jobs do you feel drawn to? Then turn the spotlight on others. When you're at the beginning of professional relationship, ask questions of people that will encourage them to share their own stories.
6. Respond to Others' Challenges
There's no better way to establish a business networking relationship than to contribute to the solution of your new contact's pressing problem. If someone tells you about a particular challenge they're facing, try to respond—no later than the next morning—with a piece of info that can help them address their issue.
7. Set Yourself Up for the Next Contact
If you intuit that a new contact will have lasting value, start building a bridge to your next exchange before you say your first good-bye. Ask them what they're working on at the moment, which can help you formulate a follow-up. Take down some notes so that when you see them next, you can say, "Last time we spoke, you had mentioned…"
8. Make Yourself Useful, Again and Again
If you can find ways to position yourself as a reliable resource to others—fellow college alums, former colleagues—consistently, you'll be more valuable to your contacts (and, possibly, your contact's contacts) as time goes by.
9. Don't Abuse Social Media
Social media is a powerful tool for professional networking when used judiciously. But spam is distasteful no matter what the social medium du jour. So be selective, and use virtual contacts to supplement, not supplant, face-to-face meetings.
10. Mind These Three Watchwords for Quality
Looking for a slogan to sum up quality networking? Think selectivity, discretion, mindfulness.
Get Getter at the Game
As with anything that requires skill, the more you understand how to network and get out there and do it, the better at it (or at least the more comfortable with it) you'll be. Want to learn more ways to successfully navigate these waters? Start by setting up a free Monster profile today. As a member, you'll get career advice and job search tips sent directly to your inbox. We know sometimes it feels like it takes a feat of superhuman strength to make your way through the workforce, but take heart that there are definitely ways to streamline your efforts for better results.