Networking: It's Not Who You Know But Who Knows You
Networking is a skill we all need, regardless of our career paths. Early in my college days, I attended a Women in Business meeting where Rebecca Smith was the guest speaker. Her networking advice has stayed with me over the years and played a significant role in building the network I have today.
Networking is essential for landing the position of your dreams, but it's more than just introducing yourself and making small talk. It requires confidence, intention, and practice. Whether you're new to networking or need a refresher on how to "work the room," keep reading as I share how to network successfully!
Before diving into the "how," let’s address some common fears about networking. Take a moment to think about what holds you back. Rebecca asked the same question during her talk, and responses included fears like not knowing how to start a conversation, getting stuck in one, and not being memorable. If any of these resonate with you, know that it's completely normal! Recognizing our fears is the first step in overcoming them. Now that we've identified what to work on, let's explore the three key steps Rebecca recommends for effective networking.
Purpose. Plan. Process.
- Purpose:
The first step in networking is understanding your purpose. Consider what makes you unique—your stories, talents, experiences, and traits that set you apart. Knowing your purpose boosts your confidence and helps you stand out. Remember, networking starts with you! If you don’t believe you bring value, others might not see it either.
- Plan:
Planning is crucial in networking, so let's break it down.
Be Present:
Before attending an event, assess your state of mind. Clear any distractions so you can fully focus on the people you meet. Employers notice and remember those who are genuinely engaged. Preparing to be present includes planning small details like logistics—food, parking, location, and attire. These may seem minor, but they can greatly impact your experience.
Prepare Questions:
Do your homework before an event. If you aim to meet someone specific, research their background and interests, perhaps on LinkedIn. This allows you to ask thoughtful questions, showing that you care about their story.
“People don’t remember what you said or what you did, but how they made you feel.”
Learn to Interrupt:
Many people struggle with networking because they feel everyone is already engaged in conversation. While eavesdropping and interrupting might seem rude, it’s acceptable in networking. Networking is about making small talk, so don't hesitate to join a conversation. That’s what these events are for!
Wrap It Up:
The goal of networking is to meet as many new people as possible, so it’s important to know how to gracefully exit a conversation. A simple way to do this is by asking for their LinkedIn and mentioning that you’ll follow up after the event.
- Process:
After the event, your networking efforts aren’t over. The process step involves reviewing the outcomes of the event. Follow through on LinkedIn connections and set up coffee chats with those you connected with in person.
These are the three P’s recommended by Rebecca. After reading this, you might feel ready to work the room, and that’s great! But I’m going to add a fourth “P”: Practice. Knowing these strategies is only the first step—you need to put them into action. The good news is you can practice networking with anyone, anywhere, and anytime, whether in a professional setting or just making a new friend in class. Try setting a goal to practice networking regularly; you can never get too much practice!
Rebecca shared that a common misconception about networking is that it’s all about knowing people. While that’s partly true, the real goal is for people to know you too. So, at your next networking opportunity, try out the three P’s—Purpose, Plan, and Process—but most importantly, stay true to yourself. If you do, people won’t just know you; they’ll want to know you.