10 Dos and Don’ts of Networking
Tip #8: Don’t be too thirsty.
Photo: Christina Jones Photography
Networking is a necessary evil, but when used for the forces of good, it’s an amazing tool that ignites opportunity through relationship building. Learning how to do it well is a skill set unto itself and one that takes practice. Most of my business mantras don’t come from Kid Ink, but with regards to networking, I completely agree with him: “Let’s just be honest. Let’s be real.” Here are a few dos and don’ts to help you get through your next networking event.
1. Don’t be afraid to introduce yourself.
While it can be intimidating to roll up on someone and start a conversation, it’s often necessary. There is no shame in admitting that bum-rushing your way into a conversation isn’t your favorite approach for relationship building. Sincerity often goes a long way so be honest and acknowledge your discomfort. If you’re from the cool and confidant school of networking then know what you plan to say to engage your audience.
2. Try and be a friend first.
Don’t go in for the kill and start with your elevator pitch. The me, me, me approach is never a big hit! Genuinely be interested in whomever you are speaking to. Most people love to talk about themselves so start there. Ask questions about who they are, where they are from, and what they do before you hit ‘em with the glory that is you.
3. When sharing info about yourself, be sure to keep it concise yet interesting.
Have the basics ready, but make sure it doesn’t sound scripted. Talk with passion and confidence, but make sure it’s an inclusive conversation and not a sales pitch.
4. Keep it short and sweet.
If communicating via email or social media messaging it is important to keep it short and sweet. Copy-heavy outreach is usually skimmed or wholly ignored. The subject is as important as the text in the body. A creative subject gets your email opened and read.
5. Bring a wingperson.
Sometimes having a friend or business associate at your side that knows you well allows you to play off each other and makes the conversation a little more natural and informal. AND NEVER FORGET YOUR BUSINESS CARDS!
6. Do something to make yourself memorable.
A funny story, a quick anecdote, or a seemingly unrelated question about your conversation partner’s life will make you stand out and give you a chance to follow up via email and reference your own originality. A little humor and wit can go a long way. This is especially important if you are at a networking event where everyone has similar goals and lots of conversations are happening.
7. Look for commonality.
It’s great to find a parallel interest that you can bond over. It doesn’t matter if it’s work-related or totally inane and random. Whether it’s a mutual passion for Fetty Wap, a love of DIY crafts, or a commitment to binge-watching “Homeland,” finding common ground is a great way to solidify yourself in the hearts and minds of whomever you're chatting with.
8. Don’t be too thirsty.
If you sense that whomever you're speaking to isn’t interested: gracefully bow out. It’s like dating, it’s way better to be the ghoster rather than the ghostee.
9. For networking in the online space, don’t be afraid of the “cold pitch.”
Especially if you can find a way to engage with someone that will prevent it from feeling totally random. There is no shame in doing a little research without taking it to stalker-ville. It makes you seem prepared and shows that you’re not interested in wasting anyone’s time. You are reaching out for a reason.
10. Make sure you follow up.
Follow up in some capacity a few days to a week later. Keep the conversation going with new questions and interests so your relationship can evolve. Make a plan for a future meetup.
About the Author: Jessy Fofana founded La Rue PR over ten years ago after successfully directing public relations and marketing initiatives for an impressive list of well-known fashion, home décor, lifestyle and cosmetics brands, and retailers. With an experienced team of professionals, LaRue PR covers all the bases including print and digital media coverage, influencer relations, synergistic brand partnerships, and more. LaRue PR provides the skill and experience of a large agency with the creativity, dedication, and affordability that can only be offered by a boutique firm.
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This story was originally published on February 20, 2019, and has since been updated.
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How to Network and Cultivate Relationships That Level Up Your Career
Time to find your biz bestie.
Photo: Create & Cultivate
The strength of your relationships is oftentimes the biggest indicator of your success because, the truth is, no one is successful alone. With a little reflection and strategy, you will find you have more resources available to you through your extended network than you ever imagined. The key to leveling up in your career is defining, building, and nurturing your community.
So how do you find your people and have these relationships constantly working for you? Here are some foundational elements to turn acquaintances into colleagues, and colleagues into your most trusted friends. The ultimate goal is to have people around you committed to ensuring you are consistently leveling up, and for you to have the opportunity to do the same for others.
Take Inventory of Your Relationships
The first step is to assess where your relationships currently are. Reflect on the strength of your network as related to your professional goals. What relationships do you need to build? Are there any you need to let go of that are holding you back? Don’t be afraid of asking for introductions to other people in your extended network.
By the way, if you are the smartest and most successful person in the room, you’re in the wrong room! Push yourself out of your comfort zone to get out to more events where you can level up into elevated circles of influence. It’s not sleazy or cheesy; it’s just a fact that greater access will guarantee greater success.
Get Clarity on Your Value Proposition
When you are trying to create, build and nurture relationships, your #1 focus should be on the value you provide to others. Once you have provided enough value to build a foundation of trust, only then should you begin asking for what you need. So, first things first, what do you provide that other people need? Is it something general, like positivity or kindness, or a special skill or knowledge? Can you make a helpful introduction for someone? Provide solutions for a problem they have? Make a personal recommendation on an inspiring book or life-changing vacation?
“Be yourself. Be vulnerable. Know your worth. ”
Make Meaningful Connections
There are a few keys to creating deeper connections. You will want to be genuinely interested in others and encourage people to talk about themselves. Any two people will have areas of similarity, whether it be a mutual favorite TV show or a favorite food; build on those and remain curious. Asking good, open-ended questions is a foundational element. You have something to learn from every person, so smile and give honest and authentic appreciation.
A sincere compliment goes a long way. The goal in this stage of connection is to deepen the conversation, create a bond, and leave with the other person thinking: I like that person. I enjoyed that brief interaction, and I’d be open to giving that person more of my time.
Ultimately, the best advice to create connections is the simplest: Be yourself. Be vulnerable. Know your worth. We are all drawn to authenticity. Your uniqueness is your greatest gift. So be true to yourself.
“If you are the smartest and most successful person in the room, you’re in the wrong room!”
Master Your CTA
This is where so many people get awkward and miss the mark, but there is no need for it to be that way. Without a call to action (CTA), your connection stalls. You will want to end every conversation with a CTA that is specific and measurable. Examples include: I’m going to message you tomorrow and get the name of the restaurant you recommended. Or, I’d love to know more about how you handle certain challenges in your job. Can I call your office next week and pick your brain?
You don’t want to be caught in that cycle of saying, “Let’s connect again soon.” This essentially means it’s not a priority for you. If this is a person who you want to build a relationship with, take the responsibility to be the one who provides the specific time frame and desired result of the next interaction.
Follow Up or Fail
Good follow-up alone will elevate you 90% above the average person. To solidify the connection, follow up when you said you would. Send a quick greeting within 24 hours. This is where the Power of 3 comes in: You need at least three different touchpoints to deepen a relationship. That means, for example, a follow-up email, a text message, and a coffee meeting.
Add them on LinkedIn and follow them on social media. It is now super easy to stay connected and remain engaged with other people’s lives. Use your DM’s to drop into people’s inboxes on a regular basis.
Ask for What You Need
You’ve now laid the foundation for a reciprocal relationship by identifying specific people who you want in your network. You’ve provided them immense value. You’ve followed up and stayed in contact. Now is the fun part—asking for something you need. It shouldn’t be that difficult once you have established trust. People generally love to help others. But they can’t offer assistance if they don’t know what you need.
Be specific, be grateful, and offer a “no pressure ask.” This means it’s okay if they say no. Not everyone will be helpful to you. Continue offering value, building your extended network, and being of service to others, and you will eventually get exactly what you need and more.
BONUS! Engaging Conversation Deepeners
How did you get started?
What do you enjoy the most?
What are the challenges of your work?
What do you love to do when you’re not working?
That’s amazing; tell me more.
About the author: After more than a decade producing events for high-profile and celebrity clients at powerhouse companies such as Creative Artists Agency and UCLA Anderson School of Management, Megan Accardo left her corporate career to help women navigate theirs. Prior to that, she earned her master’s degree in marital and family therapy (MFT) and ran her own counseling practice, implementing various programs and groups for women. Now, she is providing high-achieving women with the tools they need to reach a greater purpose and live a more impactful life. You can find her weekly on the Power Your Purpose podcast, at her dynamic workshops around Los Angeles, and inside her signature, one-on-one coaching program, From Stuck to Unstoppable. You can find her at @meganaccardo or meganaccardo.com.
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This story was originally published on October 15, 2019, and has since been updated.
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You Don't Want to Miss Out on Doing This At CreateCultivateLA
Leaving empty-handed is not an option.
Swag bags aside, Create & Cultivate is a breeding ground for new connections.
So if you're leaving empty-handed, you're doing something wrong. You should be exchanging info and making plans for 2018.
If you're worried about your networking skills and how to do just that, we've got you covered.
Practice makes perfect.
If you’re feeling antsy thinking about what you should say to start a conversation with someone, practice with your friends and see how you can nail down the starting a conversation with a stranger. From the approach, to how you introduce yourself, to what you talk about, make sure you can simulate the an entire conversation with a stranger via your friend. Come in ready with a game plan and see that networking anxiety go away.
Engage with the crowd (or the attendee next to you), but don’t be an attention seeker.
It’s easy to fall into the hole of talking about yourself and letting people know about all the things you do in a networking setting. But take a look back and think about the last person who wouldn’t stop rambling about themselves.
Exactly. Don’t be that person.
This is why it’s important to nail down your elevator pitch and keep it short, clear, and concise. Give people the Cliffs notes to your story, and leave them wanting more so they are more inclined to email, call, or text you and get to know you more. Rule of thumb: always keep them wanting to know more.
"Always keep people you network with wanting to know more."
However, make sure you’re treating the crowd with the same level of interest as you would want them to give you. Be genuinely engaged in knowing who they are, their career, and their story, and see how you can start building a strong connection.
Don’t give out your cards, trade them.
Of course, we should always come handy with a stellar set of business cards that we're ready to hand out. It’s an obvious tip, but one we have to remind you of. Make sure that your business card isn't generic and can show off your creativity and brand effortlessly.
Also, a rule of thumb to have when you’re networking is to make sure that you’re sure you get as many business cards as you hand out. You don’t want to leave empty handed.
"Make sure that you’re sure you get as many business cards as you hand out when networking."
Follow-up.
After you’ve finished meeting a new person and have hopefully gotten their contact information, make sure that you’ve written some notes and remember one key point in your conversation (doesn’t have to be business related, it can be something about your mutual love for Honey Nut Cheerios).
Wait a day or two to follow up, and use that key point as a conversation starter for the next time you reach out to them. Not only is this a good way to remind them that you met, but it will let them know that you were genuinely engaged in what they had to say and who they were.
And if you happen to meet someone at our happy hour on Friday, feel free to email or text them that same night so you can meet on site at Create & Cultivate LA the next day! #BuildYourCCSquad
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Exclusive Giveaway: Your Last Minute Chance to Head to Create & Cultivate Seattle
Plus networking tips when you get there!
If you’ve ever wondered how it’s possible to walk into a room of strangers and nail networking, we’ve got you covered. We do it all the time at conferences! Walking up to strangers can be intimating but we’ve got some tips on how to make it work. And look, sometimes it is painfully awkward. But channel your inner Issa Rae and let it get a little bit awkward, it might make the interaction all the more memorable.
Nail down your pitch.
When you’re in a room with 500 other women, be it at the conference or even at our Express happy hour before our keynote speakers, you’re going to have to nail that pitch! Know what you’re all about. So make it concise and straight to the point. No beating around the bush and no overtly selling yourself. BS tends to reek in a crowded environment.
Don’t give out your cards, swap ‘em
Why give when you can trade? You should always make sure to swap when you can. Sometimes the old “I don’t have any cards on me” is true, sometimes it’s false. It’s easy to read if someone wants to continue the relationship, but being a little bit forward in this situation can’t hurt. If the other people doesn’t have a card, offer to send a text or email right there. Even though some people cringe a bit when you say, “I’ll send you an email right now,” it’s the best way to get into someone’s inbox. At that point, you’ve done your work.
Practice, practice, practice.
It makes perfect.
If you’re feeling antsy thinking about what you should say to start a conversation with someone, practice with your friends and see how you can nail down the starting a conversation with a stranger. From the approach, to how you introduce yourself, to what you talk about, make sure you can simulate the an entire conversation with a stranger via your friend. Come in ready with a game plan and see that networking anxiety go away.
Don’t be an attention seeker.
Engage with a crowd, but you don't need to be the center of attention. It’s easy to fall into the hole of talking about yourself and letting people know about all the things you do in a networking setting. But take a look back and think about the last person who wouldn’t stop rambling about themselves.
Exactly. Don’t be that person.
Wear it and work it.
Wear your confidence and work your outfit. If you’re not feeling up to hot stuff because you’re heading to an event after a long day at the office, throw on a statement earring and a little lipgloss (both goodies Express is giving away to C&C Seattle attendees in the gift bag!) and walk through the front door with a smile.
And most importantly.... Show UP!
Maybe the hardest part of networking is finding the right opportunities & showing up! Easier said than done when you’re slammed with work… That’s why Express is sending one lucky winner + a boss friend to Create & Cultivate Seattle! As the official Happy Hour sponsor, they’re not only hooking you up with tickets, travel + stay, but also the wardrobe to keep you looking fly while you work your new connections.
WIN #CREATECULTIVATESEA TIX on the @Express Insgram Post HERE
Here's how to enter:
1. Follow @Express and @CreateCultivate on Insta.
2. Tag a woman who inspires you in the comments of this instagram post.
NO PURCHASE NECESSARY. SWEEPSTAKES BEGINS AT 10:00 AM ET ON AUGUST 18, 2017 AND ENDS AT 11:59 PM ET ON AUGUST 20, 2017. LEGAL RESIDENTS OF U.S., PUERTO RICO, 18+, VOID WHERE PROHIBITED. SEE OFFICIAL RULES: http://bit.ly/2fNUQZs
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Refresher Course: You Need These 3 Networking Reminders
Never stop improving.
photo from Who What Wear
In a recent interview, Scott Uhrig at Agile.Careers explained that “Roughly 80% of jobs are never posted–probably closer to 90% for more senior jobs. The competition for posted jobs is insane…the best jobs are almost never posted.” If a job isn’t posted, you’re going to have a pretty hard time applying for it online. So how do you get to the jobs that aren’t ever posted? The answer is simple: networking.
Recent studies done by LinkedIn show that nearly 85% of people have used networking to find or obtain a job. If jobs aren’t posted online, you’ll need to leverage your connections to get inside knowledge about positions pertaining to your career. This task sounds daunting, but if you take initiative, it’s a fairly simple process.
Surround yourself with industry professionals whom you enjoy
While you might find friends at work, that isn’t always the case, so it’s important to put yourself in situations where you can meet others and build new friendships (or at the very least, make new connections).
Attending networking events in your field of work is a great way to meet people in your field and gather inside knowledge on potential jobs. While you may not be connecting with the people at your office, industry events give you the opportunity to find others in your field who you mesh with. If you enjoy what you do, finding others who enjoy it as well will hugely benefit you.
No idea how to find networking events in your area? Check out the links below to figure out what’s right for you!
- Create + Cultivate (we host local pop up events on top of our conferences!)
- Six Degrees Society
- Career Contessa
- Levo League
Often networking organizations have local chapters so you get to know people in your area. This is a bonus if you’ve recently made or plan to make a big move and are trying to meet new people!
Join a professional organization
This doesn’t just mean attending networking events. Joining a professional organization that is specific to your line of work gives you access to networking events, industry insights, job opportunities, and gives you up to date information about the job market. As an added bonus, professional affiliations look great on your resume! Finding an organization might take a bit of research, but almost every industry has an organization which has huge benefits for members.
Here are a few examples:
- PIHRA- Professionals In Human Resources Association
- National Student Nurses Association
- Professional Association of Resume Writers and Career Coaches
- American Marketing Association
There are associations and memberships for almost every profession you can think of. It might take a little digging, but just utilize your google search skills and you’ll easily find something that works for your needs. If you do become a member/affiliate, make sure you take advantage of all the perks. Join online or in person groups, connect with others in your industry, and sign up for newsletters so you can get the latest industry information.
Ask for an introduction
This can seem awkward if you’re not used to it, but asking someone for an introduction to a mutual connection or friend can benefit you greatly. Browse LinkedIn for people who work at a company you’re interested in or hold a position that you’d like to gather more information about and see if you have any mutual friends. I recently had a friend ask for an introduction on LinkedIn, which led to a great conversation about a potential job opportunity. Recent studies show that as humans, our first impulse is to help others, so introducing two connections with the goal of helping one party will likely pan out well.
More specifically, people often are more likely to help those that they have a connection with, so acknowledging a mutual friend or acquaintance will help with that as well. There’s a reason that the saying “squeaky wheel gets the oil” is so common. Asking for an introduction may force you out of your comfort zone, but the worst thing that can happen is that someone will say “no.” In the long run, the benefits of asking for an introduction far outweigh the potential downside.
________________
Networking is has always been important, but as the online job search becomes more and more daunting, networking is more crucial than ever before. This simple skill is something that will help you further develop your career, make new connections, and potentially land you the job of your dreams. If you’re not currently networking to help with your job search, use these three tactics to help you get in the game and improve your networking skills for the better.
A native San Franciscan, Michele Lando is a Certified Professional Resume Writer and founder of writestylesonline.com. She has a passion for helping others present the best version of themselves, both on paper and in person, and works to polish individuals' application package and personal style. Aiming to help create a perfect personal branding package, Write Styles presents tips to enhance your resume, style, and boost your confidence.
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