Network for career success

Networking often seems unnatural and about getting something from people. This makes it uncomfortable for people who want to make professional connections. New graduates, especially those who are fretful to find a job, very much need and want help, but they don’t want others to think that they only want something from them and that they’re faking the relationship. But networking doesn’t have to be as uncomfortable; here are five tips to introduce you to networking: Leverage Your Position as a Recent Graduate Immediately after college graduation, professionals are eager to help graduates find their way and land a job. Established professionals acknowledge young people need guidance. This may not be so later on in your career. So leverage your position and reach out to people approaching them at events, cold email them and ask if you may buy them a cup of coffee for 15 minutes of their time. Before meeting them, do your research. With them, ask plenty of questions, take note of what they tell you, and take in as much as you can. It is a compliment to inquire someone for advice, and people know graduates need it. Sometimes, networking is just about making friends A natural way to network is simply to make friends with your co-workers, and employees at other companies in your field. Feel free to focus on forming a relationship, and establishing a sense of camaraderie with them. These friendships can ultimately be more necessary than the ones you build up the ladder. These peers can be the first to think of you when there’s a job; the ones to give you ideas if you come across professional dilemma and your sounding board when work is difficult. Your bond with them is just as important as your relationship with your superior. Choose the networking events you attend wisely Don’t just sign up for networking events. Be intentional as you navigate the networking wilderness. This means only attending events that are attended by companies you want to be hired by and professionals you admire. Focus more of your time on what connections you can build through your existing relationships (friends, family, classmates, previous professors, social group etc), and cold emailing professionals you admire and want to chat with. Seize End of Events   There are some studies that indicate that it is smart to wait until the end of an event to meet someone important. If you make a good impression at the end of an event, you are more likely to be remembered. So don’t leave an event before it ends if there is someone in particular you want to speak to; stay until the end and seize the moment. Follow-Up, Follow-Up, Follow-Up    Making an initial connection through any of the above ways is only the beginning. You only keep to make the initial good connection you’ve made if you follow-up and stay in touch. This is the most difficult part for many people. It’s difficult to make connections and easy to lose them. It would be very bad if you only contact someone when you need them. People will know, and won’t help. So make it part of your routine to keep up with people. Remember events like birthdays, new job, a wedding or the birth of a child or grandchild. Send them a note or if you are close by, give a gift. Send over an article you think might interest them. Use 15-minute in your day to connect with people you worked hard to meet; you will benefit from it throughout your life and career.