5 Tips on How to Network Like a Pro
August 29, 2018For most of us, networking can be an intimidating and exhausting prospect, but it doesn’t have to be. If you relax, stay focused, and be clear about who you are and what you want networking can be a very rewarding experience.
1. Figure out who your important contacts are
Make a list of the 20 most important people in your professional life. They could be colleagues, teachers, customers, mentors, or just a friend who’s helped you make valuable connections. It’s important to keep regular contact with these people, follow up on them, ask about their interests. These are the people that are most likely to help you find your next job – or next connection.
2. Make a “next tier” of contacts
This group of contacts can be 50 to 100 people long. These are people who could have the potential to help you in the future, but they may not necessarily be people you know well enough to socialise with now. Make sure to stay in contact with them, not to the same intensity as the first tier.
3. Find something your contact wants, and help them with it
If you want to connect with someone, find out what they want. Even if they’re enormously successful and wealthy there will be something they’re after – it can be something as simple as restaurant recommendations or travel tips. If you can be helpful to them, they’ll remember you and be helpful back.
4. Think of who your contacts will be in the future
Try not to focus on what they do now, but who they will be. Everybody knows someone who is smart, ambitious, and focused. In ten years’ time they could be influencers, or even running their own company.
5. Offer something before you ask for something
When messaging or calling a contact for a favour don’t steamroll them straight away with your pitch. Take a moment to talk to them, even offer something you can do for them. People will be more willing to help you if you show an interest in them.
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