Networking Tips That Everyone Must Try

Many may associate networking with the idea of "selling" yourself and are therefore not comfortable with the whole situation. In actual fact, networking is about building long-term relationships and an elevated profile within your industry or field of expertise.

Doing networking right can mean the difference between having a mediocre career and a phenomenal one. Here are some reasons why networking could benefit your career in the long run.

Benefits of networking

1. Strengthen business contacts and connections.

Networking is about sharing, forming trust and helping one another achieve goals. Regularly engaging your contacts by referring them for roles that you hear about, forwarding relevant articles, and arranging introductions with mutual contacts can help build up the relationship.

2. Get fresh ideas

Your network can be an excellent source of new perspectives and ideas to help you in your job. Exchanging information allows you to gain new insights, while offering new and interesting ideas can build your reputation as an innovative thinker.

3. Advance your career

Being visible in the industry is key. Regularly attending professional and social events will help build up your professional profile and keep you top of mind when opportunities arise.

4. Build confidence

By continually putting yourself out there to meet new people and industry contacts, you’re building invaluable social skills and self-confidence.

5. Develop long-lasting personal relationships

Networking is far more about mutual benefit and the opportunity to learn, grow and teach. Having a large and healthy network can lead to strong career fulfilment, as well as progression and opportunities.

How should you approach networking?

Because networking is able to open many doors, it's absolutely paramount that you enter in the door wielding the right mindset. Here are some tips on how you should approach networking.

1. Build a genuine relationship

Build relationship with someone without any ulterior motive. Focus instead on getting to know them better, instead of thinking how they can help you. Think of it as nurturing a friendship and not just a business contact. This way, it shows your authenticity and when the right opportunity comes, they will be more inclined to help you.

2. Be confident and positive

It is natural to lose confidence if you are unemployed, especially for an extended period of time. Most of us can sense it when someone lacks confidence. When you are networking, you need to convey a genuine sense of positivity and conviction in yourself despite your unemployment. After all, we are all naturally more receptive towards people who are positive and interesting.

3. Be yourself and share personal stories

Your personal stories are what make you interesting and memorable. Instead of dwelling in the negative aspects on your situation, consider taking up a part-time job or hobby. Not only will this change your energy in a more positive manner, it also offers a conversation topic that you can bring up while networking. People remember stories!

If you're looking for more career advice, visit MyCareersFuture for articles to help you on your career journey.

Or register your interest to meet with a career coach and our Career Ambassadors will be in touch.