No Idea How to Start Networking These 5 Tips Will Help You Get Going

No Idea How to Start Networking These 5 Tips Will Help You Get GoingNo Idea How to Start Networking These 5 Tips Will Help You Get GoingWhen youre hunting for a job, theres no better shortcut than having an in at the company youre approaching. After all, the business world stands and falls on relationships. If youre ever felt like all successful people know each other, you werent too far from the truth. But what if you dont know how to start networking?Once you know the right people, only sky is the limit. But how can you become a member of that secret group?1. Make friends, not networking connectionsWould you want to work with someone who only sees you as a networking connection? Probably not. No one wants to be taken as a mere stepping stone on your way to getting what you want. And you probably dont want to see yourself as a networker either.As the old saying goes When money is involved, everyones a liar. As a result, fruchtwein people in the business sector have developed a keen nose for people full of bull. People want to foster reliable relationships, not utilitarian connections. If you approach people with the latter kind of attitude, you will often come across as disingenuous.You already know how to network.Whats my advice then? These are real people, just as we are. Always think of them as multifaceted human beings with their own problems and motivations (and then try to help them solve their problems). Dont forget - you already know how to network. Youve been building relationships all your life. Now use the same skills to intentionally build relationships with a bunch of highly interesting, creative, and successful people.Dont be all about business. Foster meaningful relationships.Be different, upbeat, cheerful, yet professional. Have a good vibe about yourself.Make conversations about them, not yourself.Know your boundaries. Never hard sell.Try to understand their problems first. Youll learn something valuable and itll pay off later.2. Beginwith pe ople you already knowYou dont need to meet new people to start networkingeffectively. Actually, you probably already know some people who might help you out - even if they dont work in your target industry.If youre a fresh graduate, you can always turn to your friends and family. Since they already know you and trust you, theyre much more likely to help you out than complete strangers.they already know you and trust you.Find your universitys alumni database and look for people in your field. Reach out to them and ask them for short interviews to get advice on your career. Since youve studied at the same university, you probably have many things in common already. Still, try to find the ones who have background similar to yours. For instance, maybe youre an expat from the US whos looking for a marketing job in France. Trust me - if you find someone with a similar story, therell be a special bond.Also, dont forget about people who have given you guidance before. Perhaps youve had un iversity professors who took you under their wings. Or senior co-workers from your last job who taught you a great deal. Update them on where youre in life at the moment and ask them to meet and catch up over coffee.Once youve reached to the people you already know, you can expand to their acquaintances and finally strangers once the process becomes second nature.3. When approaching someone new, find a way to help them firstIf someones worth approaching, their time is probably more valuable than yours. Take Bill Gates, for instance. He earns $114 per second hes alive. Its literally not worth his time to pick a dropped $100 from the ground. Imagine the audacity of asking him for 5 minutes of his time.Even when youre not approaching the wealthiest man in the world, never assume their time or advice comes free of charge. This could easily close the door for you indefinitely. For this reason, you want to want to provide your network with value first.Never assume their time or advice com es free of charge.It doesnt really matter whether youre a fresh graduate or someone with years of experience under your belt. Research the company/partie youre approaching and find something small to contribute. Dont forget its not only about being actually useful, its also about making the gesture.Most importantly, do it without expecting anything in return. If you get rejected anyway, dont show disappointment. Next time will be better.In any case, once youve established a new contact by providing something valuable, dont ask for a favour straight away. For the time being, its all about them you need to invest your time and effort first. Dont worry, it will pay off eventually - sometimes in the most unexpected ways.4. Follow up. Dont let your relationships collect dustMost connectionshave an expiration date. Some networkers reach out to someone and as soon as they get what they want, they disappear until they need something again. Dont be that person and keep your relationships al ive by reaching out to your contacts regularly. Once you disappear off their radar, youll be easily forgotten, the trust youve built will diminish, and youll have to start again from scratch.Moreover, you always want to follow up on your previous meetings and emails. Never forget to thank them for their help or advice. If you discussed any further steps with your contact, reaffirm your intention to follow through and thank them specifically for anything they have offered to do.5. Never ask for a job directly. Ask for advice and information instead.Why? After all, you might feel like you dont really need more information. It can even seem counterproductive. Still, when you simply ask for adviceYou dont put them in an awkward position. After all, they dont know you, theyll naturally hesitate to recommend you for a job. When youre being too pushy, you destroy opportunities that could arise later down the line.You dont look like you want others to solve your problems for you.When you as k for advice, you make an impression of someone who wants to learn and improve. Most people are eagerto help those who are already grappling with a problem on their own.Theyll get to know you better.If you show yourself as a likeable and dependable person, they might even recommend you for a job in the end.This brings me to my last point. As you have probably already figured out, networking is not about getting what you want. It revolves entirely around building a network of inspiring relationships that can lead you to the most unexpected of places. Who knows, instead of getting what you want,youmight even get into situations youd consider too good to be true. Thats the magic of having a network of great relationships.Few more tipsUpdate your LinkedIn profile. It will be the first place your contact will look once youve contacted them. At the same time, LinkedIn is like a speed dating site for professionals. You might get noticed even if youre not looking for something new.Establish new contacts both online and offline. Dont be just an anonymous email - be a friendly face. On the other hand, dont forget to develop a robust online presence.Dont limit your outreach to people who are obviously connected to your target industry. This will greatly limit the opportunities youll find.Dont be a hater. Dont say anything negative. Never badmouth your previous employers or colleagues. Youll be seen as a negative person and quickly dismissed by your befhigung contacts. Remember that negativity doesnt build trust.Sit with the right company. When youre at social gatherings, dont sit with your co-workers and get to know new people. If you never roam outside of your social circles, youll never get further than where youre now.Share Your Feedback or Ideas in the Comments