How to network like a pro in 2024
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To get ahead in your career, you have to find the right people to surround yourself with. Networking is something that many of us do without even thinking about it, but for others, it can feel a bit awkward.
Trying to “sell” yourself, your ideas, and your work ethic to others can be intimidating. Learn how to network like a pro using these favorite tips, and start making the connections you need with ease!
What Is Networking?
Networking is the act of exchanging information with others who are in a similar field or have similar goals. Networking can propel your business forward, help you make strong social connections, and improve your quality of life.
“Meeting people with similar goals helps make your own business goals clearer. Bouncing ideas off of people who are educated in your field can give you the boost you need to reach your goals,” Max Schwartzapfel, CMO of Schwartzapfel Lawyers, says.
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Getting used to introducing yourself and being outgoing is the first step to networking successfully. Once you’ve done it, you’ll easily see the benefits that it can have.
The Importance of Networking
As a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, in-person meetings have become more rare, which makes it harder for people to network. Now more than ever, people need to know that success is often measured by the success of those around them.
“A well-built and maintained professional network could be one of the most powerful tools for career advancement,” marketing specialist Tim Stobierski writes on the website of Harvard Business School Online.
Surrounding yourself with successful individuals will motivate you to be a better version of yourself. It also opens up countless opportunities when your newfound connections are looking for new collaborators or team members.
Networking Tips To Try
When going into the new year, networking should be on your mind. If you’re unsure how to go about networking, follow these tips.
Have a Plan Ready
Whether you’re attending a networking event or just trying to meet people in the office, have a plan in place before you get started. This plan can be related to how many people you connect with, certain departments you want to be involved in, and whether you have any initiatives that need extra staffers.
“Your first networking event can be nerve-wracking, to say the least. Ranking what is most important to talk about and who to meet makes it easier to break the ice,” offers Dr. Fred Melius MD, CEO of BioSpectrum Hemp.
You don’t want to walk out of your event empty-handed, so bring a list of things you want to accomplish when the intention is networking. People love meeting others who are driven and know what they want.
Practice Reciprocity
Networking is about collaborating with others to reach common goals. Often, you go in thinking, “How can these people help me succeed?” Be sure to also ask yourself, “How can I help others?” You bring as much to the table as your peers; it’s just a matter of figuring out how you and your new connections can work together.
“Be aware of other people’s time. If you can’t offer them anything but expect them to help you become successful, you’re not networking. Go into an interaction with the mindset of wanting to help someone as much as they can help you,” explains Jim Mitchell, Chief Growth Officer of Awesome CX by Transcom.
It will become a symbiotic relationship if you and those you’re networking with are able to trust one another.
Take Time To Learn Names and Titles
Being looked over is one of the more painful results of poor networking. Learning the name and title of everyone you meet will make it easier to remember them at future events, paving the pathway for a genuine connection.
“When you learn someone’s name, repeat it back to them twice when you first meet them and once as you exit the conversation. This shows that you’re paying attention and taking in information. It helps you to stand out among others in your same position,” advises Maggie Brown, Founder and CEO of Recess Pickleball.
Becoming an active participant in a conversation and bringing in other people who could be of use is a great way to make yourself known and help others feel seen.
Introduce People to Your Circle
If you’re able to make a connection for someone else, do it. Networking is also about bringing people who might be of use to each other. As the name implies, it involves creating a network of like-minded people who can all be of use to each other — and effective networking means you become an important connector of others.
“When a colleague tells you they’re looking to fill a role that you’re just not quite right for, consider using it as an opportunity to connect them with someone who’s perfect for the job. Not only is this a good deed, but it means that your peers may feel indebted to you for helping them out,” explains Raja Subramanian, GM of Power Wizard.
Networking events involve cross-conversation. Certain topics might not fit into your own business or specialty, but that doesn’t mean you don’t know someone else who could benefit from being involved. The more you do this for others, the more likely they are to help you in the future.
Utilize Social Media
Regardless of your job function, social media has the power to benefit you and your business. If you are online publicly for your work, others are more likely to stumble onto your page and interact with you.
“Public profiles used to be a scary thing, but now they can propel you forward and showcase your ideas and projects. It’s an easy way to keep people in the loop and constantly add new collaborators,” shares Andrew Chen, Chief Product Officer of CommentSold, a company that specializes in Shopify live selling.
Additionally, if you meet people that you connect with, sharing socials and staying up-to-date on each other may lead to future collaborations.
Take Down Contact Information
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Networking doesn’t work if you don’t take down contact information. Just meeting people isn’t going to be enough if you want to see long-lasting relationships form.
“Always have a pen and paper on you, or at least a phone that can easily take notes and contact info. You never know when you’re going to meet someone that could help you along in your career,” says Ryan Rottman, Co-Founder and CEO of OSDB.
Being proactive about keeping contact information shows those that you are networking with that you are serious about continuing the conversation at a later date.
Have an Elevator Pitch Practiced
Before the networking event, you might find it helpful to come up with a three-minute elevator pitch. This is the concise pitch that you give that introduces who you are and what kind of work you do — without losing people’s attention.
“It [the elevator pitch] is used to catch the appropriate attention of people we meet by promoting the value we offer (the company, a potential employer, a network member),” Susan Colantuono, founder & retired CEO of Leading Women, writes at Leading Now.
If you have your elevator pitch prepared, you will feel more confident going into introductions. You don’t need to overwhelm people with any extra information, so this pitch highlights your work and what you want out of your future.
Join New Projects or Clubs
Networking isn’t just about finding people who have similar interests. It can also be about finding projects that align with your goals and even joining clubs that you might find fun. Especially in the workplace, being a part of social groups is important in maintaining a good work-life balance.
“Networking can be intimidating, no doubt. One way to make it less stressful is by adding an element of fun! Even if you might not make a direct professional connection, you could make a new friend by joining their pickleball league or their book club. This still expands your network, opening the door to additional opportunities organically,” advises Titania Jordan, CMO of Bark Technologies, a company known for their line of phones for kids that come with parental controls built right in.
Familiarizing yourself with others that you work with makes future collaborations and projects flow easier, as you are comfortable heading into them.
Attend Online Events
Ever since the pandemic, remote networking events have become more popular. People are utilizing online events to build relationships with those that they work with.
“It can be awkward to try to meet so many people in person, so joining in on as many online events as possible helps ease that anxiety. Meeting people online makes it much easier to strike up a conversation when you come across them in real life!” exclaims Shaunak Amin, CEO and Co-Founder of SnackMagic.
Every event that you attend will look different, so it’s important to try them all out. You never know what kind of space will be the most promising for what you’re looking for.
Be Yourself
It may sound cliché, but being yourself is the most important thing that you can do to network like a professional. People don’t want to meet a version of you that you think is best — they want to meet the real you!
“You’ll make more meaningful connections when you practice being yourself. People with similar interests and energies are naturally going to be attracted to you and your business,” shares Marcus Hutsen, Business Development Manager of Patriot Coolers.
As long as you’re true to your own needs, you will come across people who want to collaborate and work with you. Being yourself can truly pay off in the networking world.
Network into 2024 Effortlessly
The 2024 season is going to be about making connections and being able to maintain them. With these networking tips, you will find it easier to share with others and make meaningful connections. Don’t be afraid to put yourself out there and work towards your networking goals!
