Networking tends to be the first point of
thought if we find ourselves out of a job. Or it’s that piece of advice we’re
given when starting out on our career path. Yet making the most out of
networking when you have a job can be one of the most important investments of your time you’ll make. Networking doesn’t just
help you find opportunities when you’re out of work, it can be vital to helping
advance your career when you have a job. So don’t sit quietly at your desk all day long. Get up,
get out and talk to people!
Build
A Network Before You Need It
Simply put, networking increases your
value at any stage of your career. Look to build your network and connections
both within your company as well as outside the office within your industry circles.
Being connected to a strong group of people allows you to increase
your knowledge, learn new skills, and tap into useful resources. Importantly, you’ll
have more direct access to new job opportunities or internal promotions with
increased salary.
When you attend new events or start a new
job, make an effort to meet new people. It can feel awkward at times yet the
long term ROI on developing a wide network of relationships can be priceless.
Imagine the next time you need a new position or job; you pick up the phone and
get a referral to walk you through the door to a new opportunity. That
definitely beats trying to stand out in a pile of resumes.
Give.
Don’t Just Expect to Get
Don’t make your networking strategy a
frantic pursuit of attending every industry event, picking up as many business
cards as possible, and tossing them in a drawer until you need them. Nurture
your network by being authentic in how you participate within your community. Find out what you have in common with people and how
you can contribute to their personal success or the success of important projects.
One big point – enjoy
networking and even have fun! Don’t think of it as an inconvenience that eats
up your time; something that you feel forced to do only when you need something. Put the
same attention and time to it as you would a valuable investment. Because
that’s exactly what it is.
If you live in
the Las Vegas or Nashville areas and would like to join us at some of our
networking events, please contact kim@taureanconsulting.net (Nashville) or
Sonia@taureanconsulting.net (Las Vegas).
