Discover here how to make new work networks

How to make new work networks. There is a word that we all know and that, whether we like it or not, is important for our career and job performance: networking. For those of you who are wondering what networking is, here is a short introduction.

 

How to make new work networks: What is networking?

 

Professional networking is the process of creating a network of contacts with like-minded people so that they can help you generate new professional opportunities.

 

Learning how to improve your professional network may seem overwhelming at first. However, the important thing is to start small. Then, follow simple steps and always focus on the why and the goal you have with this process. For that, we will tell you the keys to networking. They will help you to improve more and more this aspect and will open infinite professional opportunities for you.

 

Networking is a common practice in the business and entrepreneurial world. It’s a word that is already used daily in the professional sphere. It refers to events where you can build a network of contacts that will help you to generate both business and employment opportunities.

 

At professional conferences and trade fairs, space is usually reserved to facilitate this practice among attendees. Such meetings are usually arranged over coffee at mid-morning or at the end of the day. They attract relevant professionals in the sector. So, they are valuable moments where you can make contact with people who share common interests. They are one of several places where you can network.

 

Building your professional network through networking

 

Networking meetings can suit different work situations. They are good for people who have a business idea and need investors or partners. Also, for recruiters looking for specialists in certain areas or angel investors looking for projects. But networking is not exclusive to entrepreneurs or people related to business. It can also be beneficial for those who are looking for a job or thinking of changing their place of work.

 

Running a start-up is not an easy task. In fact, it requires the entrepreneur to dedicate time and resources to the day-to-day running of the company. But it’s worth it; attending events can be essential for budding businesses. It’s a good opportunity to receive feedback on the product from people who know the sector to improve it. 

 

Besides, it’s an excellent opportunity to establish contacts that will help you to attract users or prescribers of the product. Also, to get out of the bubble to have a global vision of the market you are facing.

 

One of the most important aspects when it comes to starting a business is to surround yourself with people who will contribute to the project. Networking can be a good formula for this.

 

Expand your professional network by following these 7 steps

 

How to make new work networks: Where to go?

 

To network, the first thing to do is to really put yourself out there. Thus, the most important step is to understand that you have to get out of your comfort zone. So, find events or places where you can learn how to network. Some of these can be trade fairs and conferences, brand events that interest you, or even training courses.

 

How to make new work networks: Online world

 

In the past, the world of professional contacts may have been limited to the real world. However, now the internet offers many possibilities. So, use the online world to network like a real pro. Frequent those social networks, job portals, and the websites of places where you would like to work.

 

How to make new work networks: Be prepared

 

Before any event where you can do some networking, get informed. Know who is going, plan a strategy, think about what you want to show about yourself, and set your own objectives or goals. Be prepared and make sure there won’t be a single missed opportunity due to lack of preparation.

 

How to make new work networks: Presentation is everything

 

And no, by this we don’t mean your appearance or your clothes. It’s about how you present yourself. How you make yourself feel. What impression you make. What language you use. The facts that you know. What you have to contribute, how much confidence you exude, or even how you shake hands. Prepare your elevator pitch and remember that there is no second chance for a first impression, so go for it!

 

How to make new work networks: Don’t sell

 

You are not a product, networking is not about convincing someone that they need to hire you or get to know you. It’s about something that is mutually beneficial. So, it should be interesting for both you and the other person. Thus, you should stay away from a speech that is too commercial or sounds too forced.

 

How to make new work networks: Write it all down

 

Don’t you think it’s great when you tell someone something, and they seem to be interested and remember what you’re talking about? It’s the same with people you meet at networking events, remember everything they tell you, make mental notes and value the information you exchange, you’ll see how paying attention at the moment will have great advantages for you later.

 

How to make new work networks: Keep in touch

 

If you’re planning to network, make a real commitment. Get in touch with the people you meet and send them your details, information that might be relevant, or even invite them to new networking events. Then, little by little, you can build a stronger relationship that will bring great benefits.

 

The key is to identify relevant people in the area in which the professional wants to work. It’s even recommended that you start weaving these groups that can boost your career in the future, starting at university.

 

To find new contacts, the most efficient process is to search from the inside out. For example, to see who is sitting next to you and what they can contribute. Afterward, you can expand the panorama by attending forums, congresses, and conferences. Also, places where you can exchange views with professionals who are not within reach on a daily basis.

 

How to make new work networks: Set objectives

 

The manager mentions that setting goals before meeting with other people helps to exchange only relevant points of view. That will make the person grow and ensure a job promotion. Otherwise, networking ends up being a social meeting.

 

How to make new work networks: Know yourself and value your talents

 

You can’t offer something to someone else if you don’t know what you have. Self-knowledge is a key point in the networking process, because as it’s an exchange of information. The main topics must be the skills and abilities that the individual has.

 

Identifying areas of opportunity with others and how we can grow our professional scope helps us find points of convergence to add value. Knowing the strengths of the person we want to connect with will help generate important synergies that will benefit both parties and, if it’s a business issue, business results.

 

How to make new work networks: Sit down with strangers

 

Specialists agree that it’s much more fruitful to get out of your comfort zone to start networking and interacting, even with people you don’t like, as this can open important doors in the world of work. 

 

Networking to find a job

 

A large part of the job offers are not known publicly; companies opt for people with references and endorsements in the first instance. It’s therefore essential to create a good network of professional contacts, not with the aim of “getting” in a job, but to familiarize yourself with the professional world in a given sector and to be aware of job opportunities that may arise.

 

Networking step by step

 

Whatever your situation, for this type of meeting to be successful, you need to develop a strategy that involves preparation and post-event work. You can help yourself with useful networking applications. These are some of the key aspects that will help the network to generate job opportunities:

 

Orient your social media profiles in a professional way 

 

Include the keywords of your specialty in your bio or in the description of who you are. Concepts, programs, trends, anything that helps you position yourself as an expert in your sector. Follow and participate in the conversations that are generated thanks to the hashtags related to your area. Share relevant content to add value to your professional profile.

 

Create an elevator pitch

 

This technique consists of preparing a speech that describes the idea of your business or product or your career and professional goals in a brief way (as you get on the lift). This content works as an introduction to tables in which you participate, cover letters to accompany your CV, or used in more informal conversations with specialists or potential investors.

 

Take business cards with you so that you can hand them out at these meetings with your contact details, website, or blog.

 

Don’t skimp on the design and quality of this product that speaks about you as much as the way you dress and communicate.

 

Develop your post-event strategy

 

After a networking event, you must organize all the contacts you have collected and follow up on the interactions that take place. You need to maintain a strategy for strengthening the bond with the people you have met during the session.

 

To do this, create a file with the name, contact details, social media profiles, and a comment about the conversation you had or what you found interesting about the meeting. All this data can be very useful, but be cautious about storing it because you may be in breach of the latest regulations regarding the processing of personal data.

 

Follow your contacts on social networks and set a rhythm of communication. In the beginning it can be more intense to strengthen the bond. Then observe how it evolves and, if necessary, change the strategy. It’s important not to harass and pay attention to how this new relationship works through listening and not just focusing on your target.

 

Building and maintaining an active network of professional relationships is essential to enrich your CV and work experience. It will help you advance professionally and open the door to new job opportunities.