If you’ve been reluctant to network or you’ve tried it and it just wasn’t for you, don’t give up- update how you network. It is still the best career insurance you can have!
Maybe you just need a fresh approach to networking. These 12 updates will help.
Given our short attention spans, pressing time commitments and data overload, it has become increasingly difficult to make a lasting and meaningful connection with new contacts.
In order to address the scarcity of time and distractions, you’ll probably want to try some new ideas and update how you network!
Ditch The Old Pitch
If you struggle with what to say when someone asks you the question “what do you do?” you aren’t alone. Answering this question trips up even the most experienced professionals. But there’s a new secret formula that is short and snappy and immediately turns your questioning over to the other person.
“I help [who benefits from your work] by [the problem you solve]. And what do you do?”
For example, this is how a human resources professional may answer the dreaded question:
“I help managers at XYZ company hire and keep the best talent by getting the real job requirements and teaching them how to interview for those skills. And what do you do?”
For more help with a super short, conversational pitch, check out Micro-Pitch.
Scan Instead of Swap
Why not immediately swap your contact information at the next big networking event by using LinkedIn’s QR code. Just pull up your code from your phone’s LinkedIn app and ask the person to scan it using their LinkedIn app. Not only will this save money on business cards, but the novelty of exchanging contact information this way may make great (or memorable) conversations. Using technology is a fun way to update how you network.
Make It Real
Instead of opening a conversation with a safe and rather boring question like “what do you do,” take it to a more personal level and ask, something like:
- “How do you like to spend your free time?”
- “What keeps you up at night?”
- “What are you working on?”
These less-often-used conversation starters build rapport faster, are more comfortable and most importantly- set you apart. Looking for more conversation starters? Check out these Conversation Starters and Openings
Brand Yourself
Everyone may not be up to speed with the newest phone technology. This is why you should always have a professional business card on hand. Include your name, job title, phone number, email and the URL for your LinkedIn account. You could take this a step further by adding key skills, industry expertise and maybe even a short pitch. Or for more ideas, check out Business Cards- Get ‘Em Now
And don’t stop there.
Chances are your personal email account isn’t branded. Customize your email signature with your name, phone number, your desired occupation or skills sets, plus links to your LinkedIn profile and other social networking accounts. 7 Tips to Help You Get A Better Email Signature
Meet IRL
In-person, or IRL “in real life” networking, solidifies online connections and relationships. Be bold and take the initiative to ask for a face-to-face meeting or phone call with someone you may only know online.
Maybe there is someone in an online group or forum whom you have not connected with yet. Pick up the phone and call them or at least set up a phone conversation! Or, if the person is local, invite them for coffee!
Play the Host
Whether real or imaginary, you can take on the role of the host. Every organization needs volunteers. Ask to be part of the events committee and offer to manage sign-ins at the registration table. This is a great way to force yourself to meet people.
If you aren’t ready to commit to volunteering, consider playing host at the next meeting or event you attend by introducing someone you’ve recently met with someone you know.
Close With A Give
You may be familiar with “the ask,” which is the way some salespeople close their sales meeting. Instead of focusing on your agenda, needs, wants and requests, listen for the opportunity to give. The give could be a recommendation, tangible gift or just sharing relevant information or resources.
Be the Connector
The reason most people network is to get, but giving is much more satisfying. Another form of giving is introducing people. Offer to introduce your new connection or even old connection to someone you think they should meet in your network.
Fast-Track Networking
A spinoff of speed dating, speed networking events are popping up in cities everywhere. The idea is that you spend a few minutes with one person and when the time is up you rotate on to meet the next person. The purpose of these events is to meet with as many people one-on-one in a short amount of time as possible. Based on the short exchange, you can determine whom you would like to follow up with, or not.
Connect & Link
By all means, ask if you can connect on LinkedIn with people you meet at networking events or in person. But rather than send a hasty invite right then and there from your smartphone, a better way to make a memorable impression is to write an invitation to connect that mentions something about your recent conversation.LinkedIn’s mobile app makes it challenging for you to customize your invitation to connect. Though it is possible.
Stay Top Of Mind
As the saying goes, out of sight, out of mind. Don’t let this happen to you. After every meeting find a unique way to follow-up with the person you met. Of course, a timely thank you goes a long way, but what about giving them a shout-out on your favorite social network, or a handwritten thank you with a gift card? Here are more ideas on how to follow up and nurture your network.
Networking Isn’t Really About You
The best way to make someone remember you is to make them feel special or important. Think about the people you’ve met and still remember today. What is it that you remembered about them? How did they do it? They probably put the focus of the conversation on you. Try it!
They may forget what you said, but they will never forget how you made them feel. – Maya Anjelou
Try some of these new ideas and update how you network, you may just enjoy it!
This post originally appeared on US News & World Report
Hannah Morgan speaks and writes about job search and career strategies. She founded CareerSherpa.net to educate professionals on how to maneuver through today’s job search process. Hannah was nominated as a LinkedIn Top Voice in Job Search and Careers and is a regular contributor to US News & World Report. She has been quoted by media outlets, including Forbes, USA Today, Money Magazine, Huffington Post, as well as many other publications. She is also author of The Infographic Resume and co-author of Social Networking for Business Success.
