Is your idea of networking
collecting a stack of business cards and throwing them in a desk drawer to look
at “later”? You could do better.
Networking is about more than
collecting names. It’s about creating
relationships. It’s about sharing
ideas. It’s about spending time with
people you can learn from, work with, or help.
Networking is about opportunities.
None of these things will develop
if you don’t do anything with the cards you’ve collected or the conversations
you’ve started. Networking requires an
investment of time, interest, and consistency.
How can you get started? Follow up with each new contact as soon as you
can after your initial meeting. Whether
you call or send an email, reach out to your new contact. Remind him/her about the context in which you
met and what you discussed, and start a dialog.
The more frequently you touch base with this new contact, the more you
can develop a mutually beneficial relationship.
Also, make “networking” a regular
practice, not just something you do once or twice a year at conventions and
gatherings. Incorporate a curiosity and
a desire to meet more people and expand your professional community every
chance you get.
Finally, remember that the time you
spend cultivating relationships now, if maintained, will benefit you for many
years. Whether you network for new
clients, new vendors, or new colleagues, when you need advice, help, or a
trusted and reliable source for your jobs, you’ll have a strong network of
people to turn to.
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