4 Ways to Network With The Right People

There's no doubt about it: networking is an art. Why? Because even if you have the type of personality that makes you excited to talk to new people, the challenge lies in finding the right new people. 

Who are the right people? These are the influences, hiring managers, or key stakeholders who can actually have a meaningful impact on your job search application or new venture.

Let's face it: a lot of us find networking tough. Putting ourselves out there, no matter who we are or where we come from, can be scary. But, here's a stat I want you to keep in mind: over 80% of jobs are found through the hidden job market of networking. Moreover, you're not going to find funding for your new business without being very impressive while networking.

How can you make sure you network with the right people? Here are my top four ways to develop a killer networking strategy:

1. Use advanced search tools on websites like eventbrite.ca

It's a waste of time to browse the front page and go to the first networking event you see. It's true that you should be networking as often as you can, but if you're a marketing professional looking for your dream job in technology, you might not really benefit from an event focused on marketing in consumer packaged goods.  

It's always important to meet new people, but if you have a goal you're working towards it's even more important that you strategically put yourself in places where key influencers will be.

2. Join a professional association

There's no better way to scope out the industry's top networking events and conferences than by joining a reputable professional association. Not only will this connect you with likeminded professionals, it's also likely that you'll be exposed to exclusive events catered towards people in your situation. 

Here's another key point: a professional association can also help you gain certifications and skills that you may need to make your application stand out. They can set you up with mentors and make sure you have the tools you need to succeed.

3. Find a mentor in your organization or industry

You can never overestimate the value of a senior mentor who's been where you have and knows where you want to go. If you don't have a mentor yet, get yourself out there and build relationships with senior managers or executives in your organization. Ask for a quick coffee meeting to get to know more about them and express that you're looking to move up in your career.

Mentors are critical because they can provide you with guidance, introduce you to the right people, and give you key insights into your organization or industry. They're your key to accelerating your career, and it's time you found one!

4. Actively discuss your plans for the future with anyone who will listen

I find that a lot of professionals get stuck in what I call a 'modesty mindset'. First things first, know that being modest and humble are two of the most important characteristics of successful professionals.

So why is the modesty mindset a problem? Because I see a lot of people taking it too far. For example, they become shy or embarrassed when talking about their future goals simply because they think they'll come across as arrogant. Your future vision is not arrogant: it's ambitious, and it should be. Most importantly, the key to finding the right people to help you is to be very clear about what you actually need to ensure that you achieve your goals. So, you need to be vocal about your goals and communicate what kind of help you need.

Do you have questions about how to network with the right people? I'd love to hear from you! Tell me your story below.

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I'm a Career Coach and Motivational Speaker who founded MyMarketability to help multi-passionate career changers and driven jobseekers find meaningful work and differentiate as high potential talent. I speak about career planning, job search, personal branding, networking,resumes, interviews and LinkedIn. I’m passionate about helping people thrive.
 
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