The Beginners Guide to Professional Networking in 2018

So you want to start networking with other professionals? Perfect! I’ll try and address some of the best practices I have discovered and suggest some strategies that have worked for me in the past. If you follow my step-by-step guide, you’ll be the talk of the town in no time!

Step 1: Set a goal

This is the easiest step but also the most important. Setting a goal for your professional networking is crucial.   The first thing I would do is ask yourself what you are trying to accomplish by networking. Are you looking for a new job? Are you looking for mentorship? Are you looking to expand into another area of business? Are you trying to start a new business? Write down two to three goals that you want as an outcome for your efforts. These will be important for the next steps.

Step 2: Do your research

Your time is incredibly valuable so make sure you treat it that way. After reading over your goals you set in Step 1, try and find some groups that align with them. My two favorite places to search for groups are LinkedIn Groups and Meetup.com. You can typically find a group for anything you are looking for between these two places.

Another option I’d recommend is just doing a simple Google search for “XYZ Group (insert city).”  So for example, if you were looking to expand and meet people in SEO services, I’d try a quick search for “Local SEO Groups in Denver” or “Young Professionals Group, Denver.”

Some resources I would bookmark and check regularly:

Meetup.com

Linkedin.com/groups

StartupGrind.com

Eventbrite.com

Step 3: Stop thinking about it, just GO!

You just put in all the work to figure out what your goal is and where to make it happen. Now you have to stop watching House Hunters and get up and actually meet people. If you want to build lasting connections, you actually have attend these events. Everyone will welcome you with open arms, I promise. This may seem obvious, but it’s worth mentioning – just like “Caution: This coffee is HOT.”

Step 4: Be engaged and follow up

Now that you ’re at the event don’t just stand around and listen to other people. Engage in conversation, ask questions, and be yourself. This is going to be how you develop meaningful relationships with the people who attend these events. Typically for events, you can see who is participating. Look at the guest list and see if there is anyone you specifically want to look for and make sure to strike up a conversation. Some light social media stalking wouldn’t be amiss here, find out what these people do via LinkedIn and determine who you specifically would like to meet. I’m sure they’re just as eager to talk to you as you are to them.

Before you leave, be sure to grab a business card to keep the conversation going. Maybe write down a few key facts on the back after parting ways. After you attend your networking event make sure you add all those new connections you made on LinkedIn. Send an email or give them a call to set up a coffee meeting to discuss those points you remember from your first meeting.. Talking with someone once is great, but you want to create a meaningful long-term relationship with these new contacts for them to really have an impact on you or your career.

Step 5: Repeat.

The likelihood you’re going to accomplish all of your goals by going to one networking event is going to be… nearly impossible. If you are able to achieve your goals after one meeting I’d like you to re-visit step one and aim a little higher. You’re going to need to attend multiple events, meet various people, and continue engagement if you genuinely want to find the right people to connect with. I’m not saying it’s going to take years, but to hit 1-2 networking events a month and you’ll be in good shape.

Now get out there and make some new connections! As always, I love hearing feedback so please let me know if you think there is anything I am missing or if it helped you in any way in the comments section. Also a quick thanks to my good friend Tyler Moore for the article edits.

Happy Networking!