The 3 Types of Networking You Need to Do

I do career coaching as a part of my business. One of the main things I educate my clients on is the need to network. This isn't groundbreaking advice. Their reaction is probably similar to what doctors experience when they tell their patients they need to exercise and eat healthily. They know they should, but they don't. Often the desire to make a job change is the equivalent of a heart attack. Time to get serious about this "networking" thing.

Unfortunately, that often doesn't work very well. There's just this aura of desperation surrounding that one unemployed person at the event who's trying to find a job. Besides, brand new contacts are not going be very likely to vouch for you or do you a favor. You need someone who really knows you; someone you've developed a relationship with. So please, for the love of god - start NOW!

You're going to find networking most enjoyable when you do it in a strategic, intentional manner. Here are the 3 categories of networking you should focus on:

• Professional Organizations: These are groups organized a particular job function or skill set. For example, as an HR professional, I am a member of the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM). These groups typically provide resources, educational and professional development opportunities, and peer networking events. If you're not doing any networking, these are a great place to start because you already have at least one thing in common with all the members - your job function! You can find a list of some options here.
• Industry / Trade Organizations: These are groups focused on a specific industry or trade. You're going to get great contacts and knowledge sharing with these groups too. If you work for an energy company, check out the United States Energy Association. If you work for a diving equipment manufacturer, check out the Diving Equipment and Marketing Association. Seriously, there's something for everyone. It's kind of insane. Here's a list.
• Community Organizations: These are groups focused in some way on your local community. These are a great way to get involved in your community, find a cause you're passionate about, meet people, and give back. It could be a non-profit with a local footprint (like Girls on the Run), or it could be focused on the economic growth of your city (like Fuel Milwaukee). Or it could just be a group straight up focused on networking (like Network After Work).

If you're still not sold... having a robust network of contacts and organizations you're involved in will be helpful for:

• Keeping your skills current
• Learning from and sharing knowledge with others
• Progressing in your current job
• Finding a new job (recruiters LOVE to get employee referrals!)
• Professional development
• Challenging yourself to get outside your comfort zone
• Making new friends
• Expanding your knowledge base - you'll have people you can call when you hit a roadblock on a project
• Hiring for your own company or team
• And so much more... just try it to find out!

As you begin to network, you can dive in, or start small. It's ideal to get involved in a variety of organizations, but you don't need to do it all at once, and you don't need to attend every meeting they host. Set a goal for yourself, block the time on your calendar, and just do it!

After all, people who network intentionally are smarter, happier, have better jobs, make more money, and are more attractive than their non-networking counterparts. OK, I made that up. But hey, it's the internet so I can say whatever I want. :D

Good luck! Don't forget to drop me a line and let me know how it goes!