Networking is a loaded word for many, especially women. It can feel cringey–inauthentic, exploitative, and transactional.
But it doesn’t have to. 🙅♀️
Instead, think of networking as relationship-building. 🤝 Learning something new. Developing an asset that grows more valuable over time.
Still need convincing? 🤔
Research shows that 60% of job opportunities are unavailable online, and less than 1% of people get hired through online job boards. (Shocking, I know.) In other words, desk research will only get you so far.
In contrast, 1 in 16 employee referrals get hired, the most efficient source of hires, according to SHRM, a Human Resources professional organization.
In short, networking pays. 💰
I know this from firsthand experience, too. When I led a digital agency, employee referrals were the most efficient and effective way for us to find talent. It worked so well that we offered bonuses to employees who recommended people we ultimately hired.
Simply put, networking is your net for future opportunities. 🎣 The bigger and stronger your net is, the more work it can do to catch opportunities on your behalf.
7 Tips to Build Your Network
1. Focus on learning. Lean into things you’re naturally curious about 🤓 – whether it’s the latest technology, a new hobby, or industry trends. When you put yourself in contexts you genuinely enjoy, you’ll meet like-minded people who appreciate the things that you do. Leverage that! Use open-ended questions to learn from their perspectives, listen intently, and build genuine relationships.
2. Show interest in others. Let’s be honest: people love talking about themselves. 😊 So, take the pressure off trying to be the most “interesting” person in the room and flip the script. Be interested! Ask about the other person’s experiences and the challenges they’ve overcome. By doing so, you’ll build way more profound, more rewarding connections.
3. Show interest in others. Let me tell you what networking should NOT look like 🚫 – a last-ditch scramble you only do when you’re in a tight spot. That’s when it becomes desperate, and trust me, that’s not a position you want to be in. Make it a regular habit – touching base with your contacts and keeping those relationships alive, even when things are good. Build connections proactively, not reactively.
4. Get in person. I get it. The pandemic has left us all a little stiff when it comes to IRL networking. But there’s just something about that human interaction you can’t get over Zoom or on the phone. So push yourself outside your comfort zone – check out local meetups, professional groups, and events on topics that pique your interest. It might feel awkward at first, but I promise the payoff is worth it in terms of making meaningful new connections. 🤗
5. Make it fun. Networking doesn’t have to be all stuffiness and formality. Infuse a little levity and enjoyment into it – maybe hang at a cozy coffee shop, or attend an event with a friend. It takes the pressure off and allows natural connections to form. After all, you’re not just doing this to collect business cards – you’re planting seeds for your future self. 🌱
6. Be generous. The most powerful networkers aren’t the ones hoarding contacts and looking to get something out of every interaction. It’s the folks who are genuinely interested in supporting and uplifting others. 👐 Whether that’s sharing your expertise, recommending a relevant resource, or opening doors through connections – a spirit of generosity goes a longgggggg way in building lasting, meaningful relationships that are there for you down the road.
7. Follow through. Alright, you’ve made a great connection – now don’t let it fade! Send a quick note afterward, and maybe mention something specific you discussed that you found interesting. And be sure to connect on LinkedIn too. Then don’t just let it sit there – keep that relationship active. Check in every few months, just a friendly “how’s it going?” or a like/comment on their posts. 👍 Show them you’re still engaged and interested in their journey. Those little touchpoints will turn a one-time chat into a lasting professional bond (for more on following through, read this newsletter!)
