I heard recently that term “networking” feels un-authentic. This could be because the end goal focuses on personal gain. Like getting promoted, landing that dream interview, or building a strong client base. It also could be that in career settings, there is an emphasis on value exchange and comments like “how can we work together.” While some deem the term un-authentic, I have grown to see the power in purposeful connection through networking with peers and mentors in career settings. Networking is an aid, not an end-all. This blog post includes detailed tips for young professionals to use at their next networking event, on a phone call with a peer, or in an email interaction.
Networking Tips for Young Professionals
When it comes to improving my connection with others, especially in professional settings, I like to operate from clear actionable steps. Below are 5 tips for young professionals that can be integrated into not only work settings, but personal life as well.
- Find relatable points of conversation
- Participate in your industry
- Establish multiple styles of contacting
- Develop an online presence
- Show your gratitude
Find Relatable Points of Conversation
Find relatable points of conversation: This first step takes a little bit of research. I often find relatable points of conversation on a contact’s LinkedIn profile. While this social platform is mostly focused on professional topics, most users follow pages they are interested in. This is a great way to show curiosity in their hobbies. Also, the “education” section on their profile will most likely show the college they attended and their major. A relatable point I might use in a phone conversation from this kind of research would be:
“Hello _____, How are you? Thank you for taking the time to speak with me today. I am eager to hear about your experience working in the _____ industry as well as hearing about your experience as member of the ____ organization.”
More relatable points of conversation for your next call/meeting:
- What is one piece of advice you wish you would have known before entering this industry?
- If you are interested in the specific location they live in: How the career-culture in this location?
- How is the company culture and work life balance at your company?
After the introduction, turn on listening mode and take notes.
Participate in Your Industry
Being a part of something bigger is a key element in being fulfilled from a career standpoint. While a job might be focused on performance and numbers, why not get involved with a local charity or non-profit? Ask around the office and see if a co-worker wants to join you. A change in landscape and involvement outside of work builds a network, which ultimately leads to more ways to connect with others. This can start with only a few clicks on Google, LinkedIn, Facebook, or Instagram.
- Google is a great place to search “What are the best ways to get involved in ______ industry?”
- LinkedIn has the option to follow organizations. Use this to stay up-to-date on industry news and meet users with similar interests.
- Facebook is the most recent platform I have been using to grow a community and participate in my industry. There is a Facebook group for every niche interest, conversation around career, and so much more. The most recent Facebook groups I have joined are focused on women in marketing, fashion/style inspiration, tips for content creators, and more.
- Most people I follow on Instagram are not personal friends, but instead are companies that inspire me, public figures who have already reached some of the milestones I am striving for, and places that post about their culture or best places to eat and be active.
- In addition to participating in my industry-of-interest on these social platforms, I listen to industry-related podcasts. Some companies even have an in-house produced podcast.
Develop an Online Presence
While I think of my social media profiles like a digital scrapbook documenting the chapters of my life, I think of my blog, the Allie in Her 20s podcast, and my career-focused network as my personal brand. Developing an online presence, especially on LinkedIn and having a landing portfolio page or website, is essential for networking and job searching. Here are a few ways you can start developing an online presence today:
- Start purposefully connecting to people you know on LinkedIn. This includes classmates, co-workers, family, friends, professors, etc. Connecting to complete strangers, without a plan to reach out, is never a good idea.
- Create a Linktree and add it to your bios on all accounts so that all your socials are easily accessible
- Build a landing page or portfolio and start creating content related to your interest that offers an educational value to readers. I use WordPress + BlueHost for Allie in Her 20s.
- Invest in how-to courses. This has been one of my favorite investments over the past two years. Sophie Lee has a great “Perfecting Blogging” course that I took when I was first starting this blog. Since, I have invested in her other course “Perfecting Pinterest,” as well as some different courses from more creators.
Show Your Gratitude
This is the most important step for networking as a young professional. Showing gratitude for those in your network is a must-do step in building a definition of success. Showing gratitude is easy, so why is this step so often forgotten when it comes to career settings?
- Gratitude needs to be the default. When leaving a networking event, getting off of a phone call, or signing an e-mail, a goodbye should always include a “thank you.”
- Gratitude can be scheduled. I have a pin on my calendar to write thank you notes every week. While I don’t have physical notes to send off every week, I do use this calendar marker as a reminder to text my friends and family that I appreciate them. This might seem excessive, but it’s crucial to building value-driven relationships.
- Gratitude takes intention. While it takes less than five minutes to write, stamp, and send a thank you card, the action must be purposeful. I like to include something like “I really enjoyed our conversation about _____ and appreciate your opinion on ______. Already looking for our next conversation.” This is an opportunity to really make the thank you genuine. It also shows attention to detail and an intentional interest in their life. And if you’ve been wondering if we’re still in the age of handwritten letters, the answer is YES.
Establish Multiple Styles of Contacting
We all have that friend who just won’t talk on the phone or that relative who responds to texts *extremely* delayed. This might be because you are not using their preferred method of contact. This is important to think about in terms of reaching out to contacts as well. It IS acceptable to reach out to someone in more than one way if you do so with patience and strategy. Here are the ways I connect to expand my network:
- Email: This is my preferred first or second method of reaching out to someone.
- Phone call: If I know the contact on an acquaintance level, I always opt for a phone call.
- Text message: I use text messaging when I have already been in communication with someone 2-3 times.
- Instagram message: I use Instagram to network with other creators and brands for potential partnerships.
- In-person interaction: This is the ideal way I network. A simple “Do you have availably to meet for a coffee on ___ date?”
conclusion
Networking can seem like just one more thing on your growing to-do list. But as a young professional, it’s so important to prioritize meeting people that will be catalysts and advocates for your career journey. With the tips expanded upon above, networking becomes an authentic part of your routines.
xxx
Allie
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