Five Tips for Networking
These days, jobs aren’t necessarily landed based on skill or knowledge, but rather on who you know. If you already have the required skills for a job, consider it a plus; but most jobs or careers will accept those who know little or nothing and then train them. That being said, if you are in the business of trying to start your own business, or if you’re looking for a job- it’s always a good idea to have a solid network behind you. What do I mean by this?
Making the Connection
A while back, I talked about how important making the connection is. All this means is simply knowing someone on friendly enough terms that you can occasionally turn to them for advice. Ideally, you should try to shoot for having connections in various industries- not just your own. For example, if you’re interested in remodeling your home in some way, you may wish that you knew someone in that business who you could turn to just to ask a few questions. The same goes for business.
If you’re looking for a new job, which do you think will be faster: sending out resumes to prospective employers that you don’t know OR talking to a few of your friends who know someone higher up in the corporate ladder? Having said that, here are five additional tips for networking:
- Respond: If you own a blog or have a website that regularly gets feedback, respond promptly, even if it’s to only say that you received his/her comment and will comment later.
- Comment: Likewise, if someone is commenting on your blog, you should take the time to read their blog and comment as well.
- Interests: Opposites can and do attract, but when you’re trying to network for business purposes, you should aim to connect with those who share the same interests and goals as you.
- Expertise: If you’re extremely knowledgeable about something, why are you holding back? Blog about it. Start a website! Share what you have to say with others who will appreciate it and give you positive feedback.
- Invite: Part of networking is allowing for the exchange of ideas. Put up a post or announce that you are allowing guest bloggers. Invite different points of view to your blog. It will not only make things more interesting, but it will expand your readership!
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October 22 2008 02:00 am | Business Building and Business Networking and Marketing
Karl Staib - Work Happy Now on 23 Oct 2008 at 7:59 am #
Networking with other bloggers or people in your industry is vital to building your business. It’s these people can that pass your name on to their friends or recommend you to their readers.
I recently went to a conference called World Blu for my blog. I think the connections that I’ve made will multiply my growth.
Game Development on 24 Oct 2008 at 2:34 pm #
Network Network Network! I knew a lot of guys who were great coders and designers, but got crap jobs out of graduation. The major factor? They didn’t know anyone, and didn’t have any professional contacts. While my friends were off doing stupid college things, I was attending the “lame” meetings and lectures, and I met the right people. Who you know makes ALL the difference, thanks for the tips.
J Lee on 27 Oct 2008 at 11:18 am #
Networking is the key!! I agree with “Game Development” in regards to networking. I have known several of my friends who have graduated college, but couldn’t get a job they wanted or something close to it. I hear it all the time from graduates who say they can’t find a job in their major and they end up working somewhere they do not like. Network! Thanks for the post.