Reach out to old friends and coworkers online or via text. Say something like, “Hey, it’s been awhile! How are things going? I’d love to connect over Zoom or grab some coffee sometime to catch up. ” By revisiting these relationships, you’ll build a strong base to start networking. Remember, the goal here is to connect with other people to offer your services and look for opportunities. By starting with people you already know, you can ask for introductions, receive recommendations, and get the inside scoop on job openings. You could also send an email like, “Hey Uncle Dave! I just finished college and I’m looking for an engineering gig. I know you work at an environmental consulting firm, so if any of your clients mention they’re looking for folks, keep me in mind. ”
In today’s world, LinkedIn is an essential tool. If you aren’t on LinkedIn yet, make a profile and start adding the people you know! The other great upside with LinkedIn is that you can communicate and connect with people who don’t live near you. This can be a great thing if you work remotely or travel for work. [3] X Research source
When you meet someone at a job fair, you might say, “Hi! My name is Elmer Wilson. I’m in marketing over at Chimney Industrial Services, but I’m looking at moving into design, which is what I’m really passionate about. ” If you’re meeting a new contact over lunch, you could say, “I’m currently in advertising over at a local firm and I was hoping to pick your brain about the housing market here in Miami. I’m working on developing a new branding campaign and I understand you know this area well. ”
Research the companies, speakers, and attendees ahead of time. This way, you can develop some talking points when you start making the rounds. If you’re just starting out, bring a friend. There’s no shame in having a trusted confidant you can bounce some ideas off of, and everyone else will just assume you know one another professionally. For example, you might approach someone and say, “Hello, I’m Franklin Nichols, I’m a recent architecture graduate. I heard your company is looking for designers and I’m a big fan of your work. What are you looking for in a candidate?”
The more diverse you can get with your contacts, the better. [7] X Research source If you don’t have a business card yourself, now is the time to make one. Your business card will often dictate someone’s first impression of you, so get them professionally printed. [8] X Research source
You could ask them about setting up a chat over the phone for you, or just ask them for an email address to shoot them some questions. Alternatively, you could ask friends and close business contacts to recommend you for job openings or set up sales pitches.
You’re more likely to find a meaningful network connection if you invest 15 minutes to talk casually, as opposed to throwing your elevator pitch out and asking for a business card before walking away.
This also gives you an opportunity to look for things you may have in common with someone. If the conversation isn’t focused on work just yet, feel free to ask, “So how was your holiday?” or, “How are you enjoying the event so far?”
This takes the chore out of networking and makes it more fun. Treat networking events like an opportunity to meet new people. If you start looking for authentic connections instead of hunting for people who can help you, you’re going to be more successful. [13] X Trustworthy Source Harvard Business Review Online and print journal covering topics related to business management practices Go to source
Always close out conversations with something like, “Feel free to reach out in the future if you ever need anything,” or, “I’d love to sit down to see how I can help you grow your brand in the future. ” This way, you part ways with the impression that you’re a resource for others. [15] X Research source
For example, you might say, “Hello! This is Diana, we met at the Oxford Writer’s Panel. I just wanted to say that I had a good time chatting about the current state of publishing. If you ever need anything in the future, please don’t hesitate to reach out. I’d love to connect over coffee once that busy schedule of your’s clears up!” If you made any promises or mentioned sending something their way, do it in the follow-up email. This kind of follow through can really help cement a connection, even if it’s just a link to an article you referenced when you met. [17] X Research source
Building a network takes time. Don’t push yourself on people and give every relationship room to breathe. Remember, every person you meet is not going to end up being your closest confidant, so try not to rush things.
