How to network for your career
Photo by Priscilla Du Preez on Unsplash
Networking is good for your career and it needn't be as painful or time-consuming as you think.
It’s by far the best way to build your professional profile and if you’re on the hunt for your next big role, networking is a fast and effective way to speed up your job search.
Think of it less as selling yourself and more as an opportunity to investigate your options and meet some new people.
When it comes to networking there are no rules only opportunities.
In this blog, let’s look at how to network in a way that works for you.
Networking events
If you feel awkward at networking events, you're not alone.
The small talk, awkward elevator pitches and not feeling confident enough to approach a group of strangers.
Maybe you prefer having deeper conversations with like-minded people?
Perhaps Zoom meetups or picking up the phone would work better for you?
Virtual coffees
One of my clients – let’s call him Mr Anti-networking has assured me in no uncertain terms that he’d rather stand naked in front of 10,000 people than go to another networking event. I’m not planning to test his theory, but we have found a way of networking that works for him.
Mr Anti-networking is lining up the virtual coffees and enjoying good old-fashioned one-to-one networking and he’s building genuine relationships that way.
Networking on your terms
Like you, I find corporate networking events awkward and a bit fake. There are many to choose from but I haven't got my head around lunching with a group of female entrepreneurs dressed in power suits.
Breakfast with Tracy
When I worked in executive search I hosted regular breakfast events for industry leaders.
My high profile guest speakers included Jonathan Akeroyd (CEO), Claire Kent (luxury analyst), Bruce Robertson (creative strategist), Felicity Green (60s Fashion Editor), Emily Zak (Vogue) and The Future Laboratory (trend experts).
Bringing a small group of people together around a table to share and learn from each other felt a lot more genuine and personal than the corporate events I attended.
So, when I couldn’t find what I was looking for I created my own networking opportunities. I built a warm community around ‘Breakfast with Tracy’ meetups. Our network grew, and the collaborations and friendships flourished around that table.
This approach appealed to another client – she’s recently revived an HRD network. Maybe this type of networking would work for you?
Old-fashioned networking
Your network is already vast – it includes everyone that you know personally and those by a degree of separation. LinkedIn was originally built on the principles of networking – connecting professionals to make them more productive and successful.
Who are the well-wishers in your network – the people who would recommend you or help you out with a lead? Get back in touch.
Networking on LinkedIn
Online networking is great for introverts but don’t fall into the LinkedIn trap of chasing cold leads.
The experts are teaching everyone to build their networks and engage on posts for visibility. I've taught this too but with a caveat, you need more than connections and 'likes' to build your profile and manage your career.
Nurture your warm leads and personal connections. Experiment with using your LinkedIn account like a Rolodex.
And if you’re old enough to remember what a Rolodex is you’re old enough to remember the time when we were properly connected and not digitally distracted.
Don’t leave it until you need a job
‘I’m looking for a job – I better start networking.’
We know that our networks are powerful and influential.
Many of our well-known industry players are often well-networked – what are your next steps towards nurturing your network?
Hopefully, this has inspired you to find a way to network that doesn’t feel fake and awkward. Networking and building your professional profile should be part of your personal career strategy and not something you leave until you’re unhappy at work or looking for a job.
There’s no time like the present for you to start.
Download my free guide on How to get headhunted (which includes networking) here’s the link.
If you’re ready to have a conversation about how I can help you and your career get in touch.
Read more:
Why networking is good for your career
Career success strategy (including networking and how to build your professional profile)
I’m Tracy, Career Consultant, former Executive Headhunter and I help senior executives and leaders to land great jobs and be successful at work through 1:1 coaching.
I work with clients around the world from my London-based Zoom office.
If you’re ready for straight-talk and career guidance get in touch – let's start the conversation.
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