A college degree in the United States not only costs over $102,828 for four years on average, but that certificate isn’t even the finish line. Success depends on the quality and quantity of professional connections you make from thereon. It’s why up to 80% of job vacancies are filled through personal and professional connections rather than open recruitment. So if you want to benefit as much from who you know as what you know, follow these 9 networking tips and hacks to build the most effective, relevant professional network.
Is Networking Really Necessary?
A lot of people associate networking with wearing a name badge at a dedicated networking event, and it makes them nervous. But it’s really about getting your name recognized, connecting with people who share the same goals and building a personal brand. That can happen anywhere, but it’s especially important if you’re:
- Starting a new business and looking for customers.
- Working in a sector where personal connections are the key currency (e.g., freelancing, real estate).
- Looking for a new job.
- Wanting to become a respected thought-leader within your sector.
Follow these simple networking hacks to work any room like a pro.
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1. ABN: Always Be Networking
Don’t just stick to LinkedIn, cold email or corporate events for your outreach. People tend to be swamped on social media or at seminars. There are valuable connections to be made standing in line at the airport, on train journeys or in shared workspaces, and these interactions are often more authentic and memorable. Have your business card ready at all times and remember that these days your public and professional profile are the same, so post prudently online and think of yourself as a brand.
Top tip: Check your social media footprint now on Spokeo to find social media accounts containing photos, posts or tagged memories that are tied to your name, email address or phone number.
2. Be Consistent
It’s said that 90% of podcasts don’t make it to a fourth episode, illustrating the fact that even great ideas can quickly run out of steam. Half the challenge in professional networking is showing up daily, even when you don’t feel like it. To build your network, send connection requests regularly, tweet several times a day on your specialist topic, and send cold emails to potential contacts daily. You’ll be rejected or ignored consistently … until suddenly you’re not and you’re unlikely to be ever again.
3. Follow the 4 Cs
One business guru and keynote speaker refers to the 4 Cs — credibility, competence, clarity and connectivity — as essential elements of professional networking. We’re assessed by potential connections on how trustworthy and knowledgeable we appear, how understandable our message and how easy it is to maintain contact. Keep these in mind whenever networking.
4. Focus at Events
If you’re going to a networking event, know why you’re going (you’re not there for the buffet or small talk). Set a target for how many connections you want to make, and who you want to meet specifically (check the guest list beforehand). Work on a clear elevator pitch before you go, and do your research about any guest speakers or discussion topics. That doesn’t mean you should “press the flesh” aggressively and go into “hard sell” mode (see below). But a little preparation will mean you’re not walking aimlessly around the room, loitering on the fringes of conversations or stuck to the sandwich station.
5. Ask Questions, Listen Actively
It sounds simple, but talking to a stranger can be harder than you think. Common errors include small talk instead of smart conversation, or looking over someone’s shoulder for other options instead of active listening. Again, it comes down to preparation. Have some conversation starters ready, ask original questions and know when to wrap a conversation up once you’ve made a connection.
Tips for active listening:
- Repeat the person’s name to remember it, and repeat yours to help them politely get yours.
- Paraphrase a person’s words back to them to show you’re hooked and engaged.
- A top hack is to tilt your head, which is the universal sign of “I’m listening.”
6. Refer a Friend
You’re just as valuable in your network for the connections you can bring as for the skills you offer. So if you can’t take up an opportunity that comes your way, pass it on to someone who could use a boost. Don’t forget to tag and big up the successes of your existing network when posting. Generosity is a powerful virtue within any professional network.
7. Offer Value
Have you noticed that content creators used to offer lead magnets and “gated content” in exchange for your email address? Nowadays, however, the top creators are giving it all away for free. They’re more focused on accelerating rapidly to become the leading authority in their space with the most followers. And it works. If you want to accumulate a bigger network, avoid bargaining with potential followers about the initial exchange. Share your secrets, tips and expertise freely and you’ll be seen as an influential (and irresistible) figure worth following.
8. Follow Up
This is the golden rule. You might come away from a networking event with your pockets stuffed with business cards, but 24 hours later you’ll have forgotten the faces behind each one (as they will have forgotten yours). Make sure to follow up with each contact by email or social immediately, recapping who you were, what you discussed and possible next steps. Send a connection request promptly and build on the introduction while it’s still warm.
9. Be Creative
You can have up to 30,000 first-degree connections on LinkedIn, but it’s the quality that counts. If you’re sending mass-volume templates to contacts by email or social media, you can’t expect to stand out in their inbox. Send a personalized gift directly to someone’s desk, however, and their curiosity will be piqued. Keep it appropriate for your sector, however. For instance, baking a cake with your resume on top would be seen as creative in advertising, but lacking gravitas in the legal profession or banking.
Networking Hacks Using Spokeo
One of the biggest challenges in professional networking is actually finding the right person to contact so that you can craft the appropriate pitch. With Spokeo, you can get the latest available contact information discreetly by searching with a phone number, email address or full name. It’s the smart way to search and also prevents you from being scammed or targeted by predators on the rare occasions where they infiltrate professional networking groups.
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