Smart Networking Tips That Actually Work

[image error]While you may have read other articles about networking, I value the practice so much that I think it is wise to revisit it with a fresh perspective.

Why?

It’s not an activity that you do once or twice and are then done with it. Networking as well as making (and retaining) relationships are ongoing processes. Once you make a new connection, take the time to cultivate the relationship. For example, if you’ve scheduled an informational interview with your new contact, don’t let it stop there. Soak up all that he or she shares with you, take notes, and delve further into the topic at a later date.

Immediately after your meeting, send a thank you note. Recall a pertinent bit of information or a poignant story and make it a point to include it in your note. After that, check in with your new contact. Don’t be fearful of “taking up too much of their time”.

Try doing any of these (or all of them, over time):

Show your appreciation for what they shared with you. If there is a new process or way of doing things that you learned, share with your contact how you put it into practice.
If there is an article you read that relates to your conversation, send the link to your contact, with a few sentences of your commentary. Ask for feedback. Inquire how it may (or may not) affect your contact’s business or industry. 
Share a resource that you know will be helpful to your contact. 
Remember something personal (but not too personal) and get in touch with your contact for his/her birthday or work anniversary. Pay attention if he or she is mentioned in a press release or article. If you know that your contact’s child had a recital or birthday recently, ask how everything went. People love to talk about themselves and their families and appreciate the opportunity to have conversations that are not “all about work.” 
Show your appreciation for your contact by inviting him or her to a networking/industry event. Introduce him or her to your other contacts with whom there might be a common interest. 
Solve a problem for your contact. When you are seen as a helpful resource, people are inclined to be the same for you.

Victoria Crispo, Career Coach, Career Services USA