7 Things To Remember When Networking
Networking The Right Way
Networking can be a great way of either looking for a job or getting ahead in your career. However there is some certain unspoken etiquette involved with networking that should be kept in mind…
Below we list some of the most important aspects of networking etiquette that you should keep in mind if you want to get that job you’ve been eyeing up for the past 4 months…
Know Why
You should be able to identify why you have decided to network - you should know exactly what you want from the experience. Otherwise you will be wandering the networking scene aimlessly and pointlessly.
Have aims of what you want to achieve and realise connections available to you that you can use to get your to specific employers.
Homework
You should make sure that you know as much as possible about the contacts you network with - you should do your research prior to any communication as you should never be asking your contact any questions about their background and company. The more you know, the more impressed they will be!
Leave Desperation Out Of It
Any contacts that you meet will be much more willing to help someone who has a positive outlook ad vibrant attitude over someone who is miserable and moaning about the lack of opportunities.
Take It In
Make sure that you take in everything that is being said to you - advice doesn’t always come for free and if someone is taking the time out to supply you with their hard learned advice then you should listen properly.
Don’t forget your manners either - be polite and send your contact a thank you note and try and fit in a hint to show that you were listening to what they were saying.
Respect
You should provide your contact with the appropriate respect needed - don’t just rock up at their office and expect pearls of wisdom. You should make an appointment and even when on the phone you should ask to make sure the contact has time to talk. If possible don’t rush into talking business straight away, try and work your way into it with polite conversation.
Small Doses
Don’t ask for everything all at once. It can be annoying to be asked tons of questions all at once. Think instead about planning to ask questions in stages to make the whole process easier for your contact. Don’t bombard your contact, there is always next time to ask more questions.
Permission
The aim of networking is to meet more and more people - however, before using your contact’s name to introduce yourself to someone new, make sure you get permission. Otherwise you can come off looking foolish and immature as they might not have wanted to be included in your next meet…
Networking Properly?
Are you networking to find a job in today’s troubled economy? Have you found our advice useful? Let us know…
