Already a member?
Welcome to Brazen Careerist!
Emily Ma is using Brazen Careerist to share ideas. Join now to become a member and start networking with Emily Ma and other professionals just like you. Learn more.
Brazen careerist
Where ambitious young professionals connect and grow
Email
Print
Networking is simply building your “list” of contacts. If you’re a student and you don’t think you have a network, think again! Your network begins with family, friends, coworkers.
You can use your network for a variety of things: to keep in touch, to learn more about careers, to seek out employment opportunities, or even to fundraise for a good cause.
In some cases, people in your network know you want a job. However, don’t let this be the only reason you keep in touch. Networking is a relationship, meaning the other person needs to benefit somehow.
It could mean you occasionally send them an article relevant to their job or a project they’re working on. You could even send them a thank you whenever you use the advice they gave you.
Networking can take place informally and formally. Informal networking is simply talking to new people you meet and keeping in touch after. Formal networking usually takes place at “networking events” or “mix and mingles” where people are there with the intent of expanding their network of contacts.
Here are some tips on how to network successfully at formal networking events:
Before the event…
- Research the companies that will be present
- Be up to date on current news, especially news involving potential employers and their related industries
- Make sure you have some nice, professional business cards (you don’t need to spend a lot on these at this stage in the game!)
At the event…
- Talk to the companies that you are very interested in first as they are likely to be busy
- Don’t focus on eating the food
- Be courteous and don’t hog the employer – there are many people wanting to talk to each employer, so ask a few good questions and then move on
- In situations where there are many people talking to one employer, try to stand out and keep up in the conversation
- If you enter in the middle of a conversation, wait for a pause before introducing yourself (it’s rude to interrupt someone!)
- At the end of the event, go back to each person you talked to and thank them for their time – they talked to a lot of people during the event and this will help them to remember you.
- Remember to ask for a business card and give the employer yours – I always explain what the organization on my card is so that employers actually have a chance to look at it rather than just store it away
- Keep your business cards in one pocket and the cards you receive in another
- Ask the person if it’s okay to contact them, as well as what method of contact they would prefer
After the event…
- Follow up after the event with a thank you via email, phone or snail mail (depending on the person’s preference)
- Write down a few facts from your conversation on the back of the business card you received – it will help you remember the employer years later
- Maintain your network by contacting your contacts once in a while – send them an article, or update them on your job search, or simply send out a thank you whenever you put their advice into use
- Don’t over do it! Employers are busy, so e-mailing them once a week can be annoying and inappropriate
- Make sure they know you’re willing to help them out if they ever need it – networking works both ways, if you want them to help you, you should be just as willing to help them
For more timely, relevant, and engaging articles,
subscribe to Brazen Careerist.
- How To Find a Writing Partner Who Can Help You Achieve Your Goals and Make More Money
- Continuing Education: Extending Learning Beyond Your Campus Years
- A New Kind of Business Mover and Shaker
- The Anti-Stalker’s Guide for Converting Online Contact into Real World Collaboration
- Why You Might Be Better Off Without a Job After College
Comments
10.21.09
I really like the idea of a networking relationship being mutually beneficial. I have seen too many circumstances of people asking and not giving. This is a huge turn-off in many respects, and can even be a network-breaker in others.
Also, one question - if you are in a organization that you would like to move away from to do something else, what would you advise putting on your business card?
10.21.09
I would recommend creating a personal-professional business card on your own that doesn't necessarily list your job title and current employer. It could say something like:
Beth Oppenheim-Chan
Public relations professional
Or whatever it is you generally do or have experience in.
These cards are a great opportunity to direct people to your personal site/blog, or LinkedIn profile, which may be able to better explain the transition you are or would like to be going through.
11.23.10
I would recommend creating a personal-professional business card on your own that doesn't necessarily list your job title and current employer. It could say something like Mortgage loan calculator
12.05.10
Brilliant article my friend, but could you teach me more detail about your post.
buy tq game card
Got Something To Say?
Got Something To Say?
Not a Member? Brazen Careerist is a career management tool for next-generation professionals. Set up a free account today to comment on this post and start sharing your ideas. Learn more.
Login to view your networks!
 |
 |
|
|
|
