Create a list of contacts:
Think of every possible contact you have. Remember you don't have to know them well, they may be acquaintances, friends of friends etc. Neither do you have to stick within your own field. Contacts can be people who work in many different and often unrelated fields, the more diverse the better.
Examples of contacts are:
Family
Friends
Relatives
Neighbors
Former co-workers
Doctor
Dentist
Hairdresser
Politicians
Business Executives
Finding contacts is vital also. Check out the following places when beginning to network:
Meetings
Fundraisers
Conventions
College Class Reunions
Internet
Volunteer Activities
Parties
Preparation is key:
Networking is not simply about having a casual chat. While it is relatively informal, it remains critical that you are well prepared. Think about it in tactical terms and approach your networking with a game plan. Be honest, confident and relaxed when meeting your list of potential contacts. Demonstrate thorough research on your part as you converse with your contacts reflecting your enthusiasm and interest.
Networking flexibility:
The beauty of networking is that there is no structured approach required. As stated previously all manner of associations may be used when gaining recommendations. From business meetings to cocktail parties to kid's outings, there is no venue off limits. Effective networking is about being flexible and using your ability to converse with a diverse group of people in diverse situations. It means being savvy and using your wits. Examine each conversation and take nothing for granted. The pivotal moment on which you have been waiting may be directly in front of you so it is vital that you don't allow viable opportunities to pass you by.
Following up:
As a matter of courtesy and good business etiquette, we strongly recommend that you write thank you notes to your contacts after you speak with them. Stress how much you appreciated the help or advice that they offered and tell them how much they helped you. Everyone enjoys the feeling of appreciation and will be touched by the sentiment behind the note. Additionally the follow up affords you the opportunity to reinforce your candidacy in their minds. It is important to remain on their radar without being invasive in any way.
Treat others with respect:
Burning bridges is a trait that has finished many attempts at effective networking. It is vitally important that all contacts whether viable or not are treated with courtesy and respect. It is important to make yourself available to those who may wish to network with you and whom you may be in a position to help. It is often very surprising how small the circles are, everyone knows everyone else. Do not cultivate a reputation for being curt or dismissive when a contact has proved invaluable. Remember you don't know who they know or where they are going.
Think of every possible contact you have. Remember you don't have to know them well, they may be acquaintances, friends of friends etc. Neither do you have to stick within your own field. Contacts can be people who work in many different and often unrelated fields, the more diverse the better.
Examples of contacts are:
Family
Friends
Relatives
Neighbors
Former co-workers
Doctor
Dentist
Hairdresser
Politicians
Business Executives
Finding contacts is vital also. Check out the following places when beginning to network:
Meetings
Fundraisers
Conventions
College Class Reunions
Internet
Volunteer Activities
Parties
Preparation is key:
Networking is not simply about having a casual chat. While it is relatively informal, it remains critical that you are well prepared. Think about it in tactical terms and approach your networking with a game plan. Be honest, confident and relaxed when meeting your list of potential contacts. Demonstrate thorough research on your part as you converse with your contacts reflecting your enthusiasm and interest.
Networking flexibility:
The beauty of networking is that there is no structured approach required. As stated previously all manner of associations may be used when gaining recommendations. From business meetings to cocktail parties to kid's outings, there is no venue off limits. Effective networking is about being flexible and using your ability to converse with a diverse group of people in diverse situations. It means being savvy and using your wits. Examine each conversation and take nothing for granted. The pivotal moment on which you have been waiting may be directly in front of you so it is vital that you don't allow viable opportunities to pass you by.
As a matter of courtesy and good business etiquette, we strongly recommend that you write thank you notes to your contacts after you speak with them. Stress how much you appreciated the help or advice that they offered and tell them how much they helped you. Everyone enjoys the feeling of appreciation and will be touched by the sentiment behind the note. Additionally the follow up affords you the opportunity to reinforce your candidacy in their minds. It is important to remain on their radar without being invasive in any way.
Treat others with respect:
Burning bridges is a trait that has finished many attempts at effective networking. It is vitally important that all contacts whether viable or not are treated with courtesy and respect. It is important to make yourself available to those who may wish to network with you and whom you may be in a position to help. It is often very surprising how small the circles are, everyone knows everyone else. Do not cultivate a reputation for being curt or dismissive when a contact has proved invaluable. Remember you don't know who they know or where they are going.
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