You've probably heard the phrase "It's not about what you know, but who you know." In this global society, the expression is very appropriate. Your talents, abilities and experience will get you nowhere if no one knows you. To get what you want in life, you have to be resourceful. Humans are a huge resource.
Step
Method 1 of 3: Mastering the basic principles
Step 1. Start the network with the connection you have
Connecting with old friends, distant relatives, and schoolmates will be a good stepping stone because you know them, not not at all. Network with these people first before you start networking with people you don't have a good connection with.
Step 2. Find out who you want to connect with
As a professional, or aspiring person, your time is very valuable. Be smart and selective - you are responsible to yourself. Just approach someone confidently, hold out your hand, and introduce yourself. It's not easy to do, but it's actually very easy. The more you do it, the easier it will be to do next.
- Believe in yourself to inspire confidence in yourself. Many people who can speak fluently and regularly are people who lack self-confidence by nature. They learn to build that confidence. This confidence then becomes a reality. The "fake it until you make it" strategy really works.
- Some people call it the "host mentality." You put other people first and try to make them feel comfortable. This unconventional endeavor will make you feel empowered and in the end you will feel more free.
Step 3. Prepare your Elevator Pitch.
The elevator pitch is a brief description of yourself about “how professional” you are - for example, when two people share a place in an elevator. Unlike a speech that you have to memorize, an elevator pitch is a piece of refrain that you remember and can develop, depending on the situation at hand. Here's an example:
"I recently graduated from XYZ University with a major in marine biology. At school, I learned about the interaction of tidal patterns in puffin populations. Now, I'm leading a conservation effort to save the puffin population in Eastern Egg Rock, Maine."
Step 4. Learn the art of small talk or small talk.
Making a good chat sometimes starts with a little small talk. It is an opportunity for you to get to know other people, and people to know you. Some people describe it this way: conversation is a ladder, and chat is the first step you have to take. Don't be afraid if you feel the conversation is unnatural. Smile, and remember to be confident in your abilities, and listen carefully.
- Look for anchors. It means looking for something you and other people have in common. Maybe school, friends you know, or sharing experiences, like both ski-driving lovers. It's best if you ask the question to provoke another question, and if that works, then you've succeeded.
- Reveal something about yourself related to those similarities. Asking is a good thing, especially if you're looking for the answer, but conversation is a two-way street, and you have to start something to get something back.
- Encourage others to continue sharing chats. After a few conversations are over, again ask questions about what you have in common or tell about a different experience you had with that anchor.
Step 5. Don't be afraid to go deeper
If your conversation stays on the surface, you're no different than the dozens of people he meets at an annual event. To differentiate yourself from other people, you should deepen the conversation after a short small talk and say something that impressed the person for a moment and will inevitably remember you.
One of the leading bloggers advises you to look for a hobby or a problem. Of course, finding a passion is safer to talk about, but don't be afraid to empathize with the other person if they're talking about a problem they're having
Step 6. Think before you speak
In normal conversation, it's natural to create a flow of conversation and be afraid of
- Don't be afraid to take a second or two to pause and think about what you're going to say. This second or two will seem a lot longer to you than the other person feels. If something smart comes out of your mouth afterwards, the time investment you made will be well worth it.
- Journalist Shane Snow describes his respect for thinking friends before he spoke: "Whereas most of us (especially people in power) feel pressured to be asked to respond quickly to anything (job interviews and trainings teach us to do this), it causes us to answer carelessly. Fred takes his time. When you ask a question, he pauses. Sometimes for a long time. Sometimes the silence makes you uncomfortable. He thinks carefully and then responds with answers that are much better than you expected."
Step 7. Approach networking with the perspective of "How can I help this person?
" Some people think of networking as a selfish act, because some people use the process as a means to an end, not an end in itself. This is the wrong thinking about networking. Instead, try to approach networking starting with the desire to help others first. If you really try to help other people, they will be willing to do the same for you. Then, the motivation to help each other will be done sincerely.
Step 8. Find out who knows who
When you talk to people, find out what they do for a living and for fun, as well as what their spouse, closest family members, and close friends do. It might be more helpful if you make notes in your address book so you don't forget who and what they do.
- Suppose you meet Mary at a book club meeting and you find out that her cousin is a surfing expert. A few months later, your nephew tells you that one of his dreams is to go surfing. Find Mary and call her, and ask her if her cousin can give your niece private lessons as a birthday present. Mary said “Sure!” and convinced her cousin to give you a discount. Your nephew is very happy. One month later, your car breaks down and you remember that your nephew's girlfriend is a car mechanic…
- Look for extroverts. As you continue to network, you'll find some people who are far greater than you - they already know everyone! You will benefit from getting to know such people, as they can introduce you to other people who share your interests or goals. In other words, if you're an introvert, find an extrovert who can "manage you."
Step 9. If all goes well, ask for their business card and reassure them that you want to continue the conversation
Once you can have a pleasant conversation, exchange points of view, or sympathize with a terrible boss, don't be afraid to say that you enjoyed the conversation, such as: "I'm glad we talked, you seem like a knowledgeable and respected person. How about we move on talk later?"
Step 10. Follow up
Don't forget the business card or e-mail address of someone you've asked for. Find ways to stay in touch. Because networking is like a tree: without food, it will die. Make sure to pay attention to keep it alive.
- Whenever you find an article that interests them, send it to them immediately. If you hear bad news (hurricanes, riots, power outages) happening around them, ask and make sure they're okay.
- Find out everyone's birthday and mark it on the calendar; Be sure to send happy birthday cards to everyone you know, along with a short note to let them know you haven't forgotten about them, and that you don't want them to forget you.
Method 2 of 3: Use the internet
Step 1. Do your hobbies and activities online
Who says you can't network when you're playing chess against someone in Russia? Or networking when you're in your favorite medical community researching your husband's autoimmune disorder? The Internet has made networking with groups of simple-minded people. Check internet forums, lists, classifieds, and mailing lists (known as "listservs") for local events or gatherings that will attract people with similar interests.
Step 2. Research a person you admire or someone in an interesting position
The internet makes research stand out (or not so much) so that people can access it more easily than ever before. Now you can gather information with a Google search, or you can connect to them on various social media. Research these people for the following two things:
- It helps you to have knowledge about different careers and career opportunities. Researching other people's careers teaches you that there are almost endless ways you can earn from advertising, such as becoming a Merchandizer.
- You familiarize yourself with their personal history. This information will come in handy when you meet them; it shows you have done your homework.
Step 3. Ask several people to do informational interviews.
An informational interview is an informal meeting you have with other professionals where you ask about their careers and get to know their thoughts. An informational interview can be done by making an appointment for coffee after work or a Skype interview in the middle of the workday. Whatever happens in the end, usually a short time - 30 minutes or less - you should offer to pay the bill if you guys have coffee or lunch.
- Informational interviews are a great way to learn about other people and develop critical questioning and listening skills. You never know; You might impress the person during an informational interview that they decide to offer the job if they have the authority. Some people feel that this is just bullshit compared to applying in person.
- When you're done conducting an informational interview, express your gratitude and ask the other person you're talking to three people you might be able to talk to. Look for these people and return to your previous interlocutor if necessary.
Step 4. Contact your network regularly
The next time you need something (a job, a partner, a hiking buddy) open the net big and see what happens. Make a few phone calls or e-mails to explain your situation in a friendly tone: "Hey, I'm in a bit of an emergency. I have concert tickets for this Saturday, but I don't have anyone to accompany me there. Since it's a band I like, I want to go with a nice person. Do you know who can accompany me?"
Never Apologize when asking for help. It will indicate that you lack confidence and professionalism. There's nothing to apologize for right-- --you're just looking to see if anyone happens to be able to help you; You don't ask, or force people to do things they don't want
Step 5. Don't leave your networking isolated on the internet
You can look for as many connections as you want online, but the most successful networks are those that can turn those online connections into face-to-face relationships. Going out for lunch, or drinking coffee is a great way to start building a face-to-face relationship. Remember that you can also invite people to do the things you love. If you meet someone at a Carving club wouldn't it hurt if you asked them to try Carving with you? The goal here is to establish a connection from an online meeting. It would be better if it was only one-on-one.
Method 3 of 3: Investigate Why We Need a Network
Step 1. Solve your doubts about networking
If you're reading this article, you're probably familiar with the benefits of networking. But maybe you avoid networking, for whatever reason, it's best to get out of it. Take it off! Stop trying to justify your fears. Instead, try to believe in yourself and realize that networking is really good for a number of reasons.
Step 2. Realize that networking is insincere, fake, and even manipulative
Sometimes, you are right. Networking can be a superficial way because it utilizes connections for personal gain. However, there are also people who want to build mutually beneficial relationships. There are people who are willing to do amazing things to help others. There are people who enjoy the sense of community that comes from networking and can indirectly help each other whenever possible.
When networking, you have to filter out the people you don't want to know and the people you really want to know. It's an important part of networking, but with practice, you'll get better at determining which people are worth getting to know
Step 3. Realize whether you are shy or confident about networking
Networking takes courage. However, with the advent of social networking sites, you can find people who share your passions and goals without needing to be in a room full of people.
Shy people tend to be much more open and talkative when it comes to something they really enjoy. If you find people who are as obsessed with birding (bird watching), origami, or manga as you are, then it will be easier for you to make connections
Step 4. Realize the myth that networking takes too much time and effort
Networking can be exhausting, unless you're an extrovert who really enjoys socializing. Yes, networking takes time and effort, but the time and effort you put into networking can also have a tremendous effect. Imagine how much time and frustration you could save with a phone call or two. In the end, networking is an investment, with benefits that outweigh the previous effort. You just need to keep networking and watch it grow.
Step 5. Continue to develop a network to build yourself
You want to grow as an individual, both personally and professionally. Networking helps you hone the interpersonal skills that are a huge asset in today's world. Networking also helps remind you to always be humble, listen to others, and cultivate a desire to help others. If you don't have a reason to network, do it to build yourself. Networking can help you become the best person you are.
Tips
- It helps a lot if you look approachable and charming. Over time, it will become easier for you to start a conversation with a stranger.
- Use every internet tool you can use to build social networks in real life. For example an instant messaging application. Sometimes this app will be better than a phone call. The Internet is very useful for keeping in touch with many people around the world.
- Start with something small. Don't make up to 12 appointments in one month.
A sustained effort in the long term is better than making a big effort once and then disappearing. Remember networking requires gradual maintenance, so don't be too hasty.
- You can build good relationships with politicians and their associates by volunteering to help with elections or participating in their events outside of elections.
- Can't find a local club or club that matches your passion or career? Start to make it yourself!
