4 Tips for Professional Networking Success

Whether you are searching for a job or a new business opportunity, you might have heard the saying, ‘It’s not what you know, it’s who you know’. And while what you know is definitely important when it comes to landing your dream job or starting your own business, the second part of the statement is certainly true. While having a certain knowledge base and set of skills is an important factor in getting hired, who you know can certainly make it easier to get a foot in the door. Getting a mention or recommendation from somebody who already works at a company where you are looking to get hired can sometimes make all the difference when it comes to the outcome of your application. Professional networking is key to build up these benefits, and there are several ways to do it, including in-person and online. 

Identify a Networking Style That Works for You

Today there are various different ways to network with other people professionally. Figuring out the type of networking that works best for you is key to success. Some people find that they get better results from attending events and meeting others in-person, while others prefer to network online using sites like LinkedIn. Different people are successful using a variety of networking tactics, so it’s important to be confident and comfortable in your chosen way of getting to know others. 

Practice Networking in Your Workplace

Your own co-workers might have a lot to offer when it comes to boosting your career from within the company that you are currently working for. Networking with your colleagues can be one of the best places to start. No matter how long you have been in your current role, there will always be something new to learn about the people that you work with, and likely to be new people coming to work for the company too. One of the best parts about networking with co-workers is that these are likely to be people that you already know and are familiar with in some way, so it may be less awkward. You might want to arrange an event with co-workers doing something that you all enjoy like golfing, which is a top choice of activity for professionals. Check out these golf carts that make customization easy to get started. 

Use Social Media

While LinkedIn is known for being a social networking site that has been created solely for the purpose of connecting with other business professionals, you can use the other social media platforms that are available today for a wide range of professional and networking purposes. Twitter is another ideal platform for networking; you can use it effectively by researching target companies on the site and following them, before connecting with hiring managers and recruiters by liking, retweeting or replying to their Tweets. Facebook can also be used effectively for networking as you can often find groups that have been set up solely for this purpose. 

Remember it Goes Both Ways

Wherever or however you decide to build your professional network, remember that good networking is not meant to be one-sided. Networking should be something that provides value for both parties, so think about what you can bring to the table for the people that you network with and offer to help wherever you can. Volunteering is a good way to do this; working for a non-profit company that you like can give you a great chance to network with other volunteers and professionals while helping out at the same time. 

For many professionals, building a network is key to landing the career that they want or getting that important business opportunity. Keep these tips in mind to get the most from your networking efforts.