How to Expand Your Network
It is common knowledge that networking is essential for a successful job. You can have the talents and the inside, but getting a job or even starting a business will be impossible without the right connections. According to a recent study by Right Management, person-to-person networking is the most successful means of obtaining a new job for the fifth year in a row. Networking had a 46 percent effectiveness rate, while Internet job boards (25 percent), recruiters (14 percent), the direct approach (7 percent), and newspaper listings (1 percent).
Many people struggle with networking because they are introverted, feel like they are exploiting others, and appear selfish rather than helpful.
1. Have a Game Plan
You wouldn't present your company to potential investors or customers without first conducting research and formulating a strategy, would you? Networking is an excellent example of this.
Miranda Marquit, a financial journalist and member of the Smart Money Squad, says you should "know your purpose" by asking questions like:
What do you hope to accomplish?
Do you want to identify potential clients?
Do you wish to find a partner for your next venture?
Before attending an event, John Rampton, an entrepreneur, advises researching key participants. In his blog post "19 Ways To 'Kill It' at Your Next Networking Event," he thought that scoping out individuals through a LinkedIn account could benefit your networking since you could hunt for mutual connections.
2. Ask for Referrals
According to Randall Hansen, former CEO of Quintessential Career, you could ask your present friends, relatives, and associates for the contact information of those whom they think would be advantageous for you to know. He believes this is a solid place to start when developing a formidable network.
"The 'friend-of-a-friend' relationship is quite powerful and usually extremely successful," For example, when seeking references, a helpful question to ask is, "Who else should I be talking to?"
Make an excellent first impression, make your friend appear suitable, and don't let your friend down once you've had this introduction, and you'll have a lot of people wanting to refer to you.
3. Be Unforgettable
How many people do you interact with daily? More significantly, how many of them did you say left an indelible impression on you? The ones who made an impression on you most likely did something to stand out from the herd. But how are you going to accomplish it?
Having unique business cards, a snappy phrase, or a trademark item of gear, such as a brilliant orange tie, is one method to stand out.
For Business Insider's industry expert, Jamie Kravitz following are the things you could do:
Bringing a wingman to networking events
Direct each conversation with a purpose
Look for an "I feel the same way" moment
Leverage the "value-add," make yourself valuable to someone by asking yourself, "How can I help this person?"
Shine in your element, attend events where you thrive, and practice in environments where you don't
Don't pester the connection by bothering them every day — they're busy people, too — but try to check in with them semi-frequently so that you stay fresh in their minds.
4. Treat Social Media With Respect
How many people do you interact with daily? More significantly, how many of them did you say left an indelible impression on you? The ones who made an impression on you most likely did something to stand out from the herd. But how are you going to accomplish it?
Blair Decembrele, a LinkedIn Career Expert, said on Business Insider that the following three tips would help you enhance your social media presence:
Choose the best image: "Make sure your photo is professional and appropriate for your field. Avoid using a photo of you with your pet, no matter how cute it is, unless you're a veterinarian!"
You could also create a summary that shows your professional identity and what you're in it for — for example, what motivates you, what you're most enthusiastic about, and your career ambitions.
Include all of your previous work experience: "Volunteer work is another approach to demonstrate your worth to potential employers.
5. Give before you receive.
People expect you to ask for help when you're networking. If you reverse the situation and offer assistance, your networking partner will be grateful and eager to repay the favor.
Also, in a networking relationship, you don't always have to acquire something. It's equally as beneficial to "give" by introducing people who can benefit from each other. You can build a stronger rapport with multiple people, and it makes you very good.
So that's all the tips you should do if you want to expand your network efficiently. If you would like to learn more advice for any self-development topics, you could also consult with us! Also, follow us at Instagram @baikgp and @ayureadypodcast for more information and extra insights!