Ashley Stahl* says networking events can be time-consuming and even frightening — but they are a great way of advancing a career.
We have all heard the saying: ‘It’s not what you know, it’s who you know.’
Considering 70 per cent of jobs are never posted online, there is one superpower that will help you secure your dream job or build connections for the future: Networking.
I am not saying to forget about your technical skill set (it counts), but be aware of the value interpersonal skills plays in building a solid community.
As a career coach who helps clients find jobs, I am surprised to learn how many opt out of networking.
I once had a client, we can call her Sarah, come to me for help with making a job transition from sales into marketing.
When we discussed the ways she could look for jobs she went on about how exhausted she was by her intense job hunt.
“I come home from work each night and search online for jobs to apply for.
Honestly, the idea of going out and meeting people feels like a waste of time,” she said.
Although applying for jobs online is a great start, Sarah was missing out on major opportunities in person.
She just needed a little reminder and some guidance on how to make the most of her time at events.
There is a major difference between thinking you are productive by staying busy and actually being productive.
Consider the Pareto Principle — 80 per cent of results come from 20 per cent of your effort.
Get very intentional about your time, it’s valuable.
Here are four things to focus on when you head into your next networking event.
Search for the right event
Be mindful about who you’re networking with.
After all, if you’re looking for a role in sales, why attend a science panel discussion?
Consider what it is you’re hoping to get out of networking and then start searching for the right event or community.
Hop online and browse networking sites such as Meetup.com or Eventbrite to see what upcoming events may be most aligned with your goals.
If you still live in the area, your university or alumni class often hosts events where you already have a commonality with everyone in attendance.
Not to mention, there are plenty of groups you can join and pay an annual membership to in return for admission to all events and meetings.
Don’t stop yourself there.
Local organisations and religious communities are often a good place to look for hosted events.
Walking in with something already in common will make for easier conversation.
Don’t be all business
When you arrive at the meeting, ditch the idea of passing out as many business cards as possible — quantity is great; quality is better.
Seek to create real authentic connections and build relationships that go deeper than simply asking: “What do you do for work?”
We all know no one wants to talk about work more than they already have to, so focus the conversation around common passions and hobbies.
Not only will this show your genuine interest in them as a person, but it will also make you more memorable to them.
Speak to your transition, not your job search
If and when business does work its way into the conversation, be prepared to give a 20-second overview of your career path and future.
You may be nervous about speaking to your needs, so practice first.
Practice creates certainty, and certainty breeds confidence.
Say your elevator pitch out loud a few times before you head into the event.
This way, it is fresh in your mind and you won’t find yourself stumbling over your words on how to explain your goals.
Resist the urge to over-emphasise your immediate need for a job and instead, focus the conversation on growth opportunities or the transition you are seeking to make.
Have a strong follow-up after the event
Once the event ends put time aside to recall who you spoke to and what you spoke about.
While the conversations are fresh in your mind jot down a few notes.
Don’t put this off.
Studies show that people forget around 50 per cent of what they learned within a single day.
If they shared a business card, you can always make notes directly on their cards once you get home to help you remember.
Within a few days of the event, remember to follow up and reach out.
Use your notes to reconnect on a personal level.
Let’s be real, no one wants to receive a generic email blast or an empty LinkedIn connection, so make it personal and reconnect over a shared commonality.
This is a great opportunity to now follow-up with any future meetings or business discussions.
With these four tips in mind, Sarah set out to attend a few networking events focused around sales in her target industry.
Not only did she make some solid business connections, she met and built friendships with others in the same line of work.
Whether you are seeking a new job or not, stay proactive in your professional community and building relationships, you never know who you are going to meet, and where.
*Ashley Stahl is a career coach, keynote speaker, podcast host and author. In a previous life she was award-winning counter-terrorism professional. She can be contacted at ashleystahl.com.
This article first appeared at ashleystahl.com.
