Judith Perle, co-founder of Management Advantage, shares her top 10 tips for networking. Says Judith…
“If you want to build your career, build your network.
No career strategy is complete without proactive networking.
There’s plenty of research to underpin what many of us already know intuitively – that building a strong and active network is key to success, both personal and professional. Judith Perle, co-founder of Management Advantage and co-author of ‘The Network Effect’, outlines top networking tips to find a job, make a career change or get promoted.
- Make time to network
Don’t network only when you’re in a fix – make networking a habit to build a rich and diverse resource you can call on when in need.
- Understand that giving is better (and often more effective) than getting
One sided relationships where they give and you take eventually turn sour. Flip the coin and find things you can give – information, an introduction, a quick phone call – that’s easy (for you) yet valuable (to them).
- Connect people
Make a point of introducing people in your network who have shared interests. The more you are known as someone who knows interesting people, the more people will want to be linked to you, and the more effective your network becomes.
- Value your acquaintances and friends
Friends often don’t have access to new information. So don’t disregard ‘mere’ acquaintances who can often point out opportunities that you hadn’t heard about on the grapevine.
- Appreciate the iceberg
Most people’s networks are largely invisible to all but their closest friends. Remove your blinkers and connect with lots of different people. You can never, ever predict who knows who, and who will be able to introduce you to someone who could move your career in a new direction.
- Build rapport
If someone doesn’t warm to you, they’re unlikely to help, even when asked. So build rapport with your contacts – by listening, seeking common ground, and helping out where possible.
- Nurture your network
Even the most superficial relationships are based on trust, and that takes time to build. So make an effort to stay in touch, and strengthen the tie.
- Network internally
Don’t stay stuck behind your desk, working away diligently but anonymously. Make a point of chatting to people internally – in the lift, at the water cooler – so that when your name comes up, you’ll always have an advocate.
- Appearances matter
Don’t dress sloppily – or over-do the power dressing. If you want people to take you seriously, you need to look the part.
- Practice makes perfect
If you find aren’t comfortable chatting to strangers, practice in an unthreatening environment: at the post office, in the supermarket check-out queue. After a while, you’ll be able to start a conversation with almost anybody, anywhere.”
Do you have any other networking tips you’d like to share? Just let us know below…
Judith Perle teaches people about networking – what it is, why it matters and, crucially, how to do it better. Contact her by visiting www.ManAdvan.com or by emailing Jperle@ManAdvan.com. Read more about her book at www.TheNetworkEffect.co.uk
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