The secret to networking.

Career
29 October 2019 |  6 min read 

 

If you want to advance in your career, you need to build your profile and a solid list of business friends and acquaintances.

A 2017 survey found that 70% of people were hired at a company where they have a connection.¹

Simply put, people hire people they know, or someone who is recommended by a colleague or friend i.e. someone who is in their network.

“Networking is connecting, and powerful networking starts and ends with you,” says networking expert Janine Garner, author of It’s Who You Know.

“Get out of your own head and have your attention focussed outwards always. Two-way conversations add value to your business or career.”

Follow these steps to build your network.

1. Make a plan

Women need to understand that networking to help them achieve their aspirations does not respond to a ‘throw spaghetti against the wall to see what sticks’ approach.

Rather, growing your list of valuable contacts involves consistent action, says Garner. It is up to you whether you attend large networking events or conferences, but you should definitely be active in social media and explore local groups that are related to your field of business, your community, or even your child’s school.

The key to networking success is not quantity but quality, says Garner.

“Embracing a small, diverse network of smart and supportive people will do more to help you achieve success that surrounding yourself with those who are unwilling to work collaboratively.”

2. Be people-focused

While women are often more reluctant to ask others for what they see as favours, or to put themselves forward, it’s important to overcome reticence around making connections. Says Garner: “Remove the hard work of networking and think about connecting human to human.”

International publicist Betsy Pie, whose clients include top tier hotel, tourism and lifestyle clients, says “I never like to think that I intentionally ‘network’, as that really isn’t my style.

“I think I make the most of opportunities and that often that just means striking up a conversation with someone I sense might be like-minded and seeing where it leads.

“I also suggest that when you meet someone and enjoy a good conversation, you follow up with a quick email. Then the seeds are planted, and they soon become part of your realm of contacts.”

Pie says it’s who she knows that helps her open doors for her clients. “It allows me to be both a communicator and a connector.”

3. Explore existing contacts

Map who you already know and what gaps you have in terms of people who can become your personal marketing machine, your intelligence bank and your board of advisors, suggests Garner.

This may include friends as well as business colleagues. It could also include other mothers as well as businesswomen.

“We often revert to attending large traditional networking events, when the people we would like in our network are closer than we think,” she says.

If you have been out of the workforce, start connecting with your immediate circle before expanding your network to include other professional groups as you gain more confidence.

4. Use online, professional sites such as LinkedIn

Recruiters, peers, managing directors and potential clients can all be found on this business social network. You’ll need to create a profile, including a quality photo, that attracts attention. See here for tips.

As well as allowing employers to find you, LinkedIn can help you conduct a job search or message other professionals who may be able to help you with your goals.

“I don't think there is any difference in how to network on or offline,” says Garner. “The principles are the same – connect, be human, be interested and exchange value.” She suggests spending 10 minutes a day on the site to connect with others through a message rather than just a connection request, and to share a post that provides value for those who follow you.

5. Join your industry association

Meeting other people in your industry is an efficient way to keep up to date with trends, job opportunities and other career news. You’ll also have a chance to make face-to-face connections and hand out your business card. Subscribing to trade publications, websites or blogs can also help keep you ahead of industry trends.

You can also join a women’s networking group.

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Personal view disclaimer
The views of the author are not necessarily the views of the QSuper Board and QInvest Limited Board. We’ve put this information together as general information only.

1. Source: www.news.linkedin.com/2017/6/eighty-percent-of-professionals-consider-networking-important-to-career-success