Networking with Confidence: A Step-by-Step Guide to Achieving Career Success

With our Sisterhood Social event just around the corner, I wanted to provide some tips and strategies into why networking is so important when it comes to career capital.

It wasn't so long ago that we were all stuck indoors, unable to leave our homes, and it's safe to say it took its toll on all of us.

Human beings are social creatures, and we are made to connect with each other.

I don't know about you, but I always feel so uplifted after a good conversation.

That being said, I didn't always feel that way, and the idea of going to an event with a room full of strangers and having to strike up a conversation filled me with anxiety.

In today's newsletter, I hope to guide you through the process, helping you network confidently, build your career capital, and ultimately make long-lasting connections.

Before we dive in, it's important to state that networking isn't solely about making business contacts or seeking jobs. If you come to an event with those intentions, people will see right through you.

Instead, it's about building and nurturing a community of professionals who share similar interests or goals. It's a two-way street where giving and receiving are equally important.

By approaching networking with this mindset, you'll be able to develop deeper connections that could lead to opportunities and career progression.

I believe building confidence is so important when it comes to networking because confidence is a magnet; it attracts people towards you, making them more receptive to your ideas and perspectives.

When you network with confidence, you showcase your capabilities and strengths, leaving a lasting impression on others.

So, how can you start networking with confidence?

Here are my Top 5 Tips...

Below are my top five tips that I hope will help you navigate your networking journey with ease.

Tip 1: Network with Purpose

What would you like to get out of your next networking event?

Meet other like-minded people?

Learn something new from an expert?

Push yourself outside of your comfort zone?

Find talent for your business?

Find a mentor?

It's good to have an outcome in mind so you can drive the right conversations and come away feeling like your time and energy were well spent.

I appreciate that most people are time-poor, which is why we want to ensure where and how we spend our time results in positive outcomes. So the next event you attend, go with purpose and intention.?

Tip 2: Lead with a compliment

One of the hardest things to do is strike up a conversation or join a group of people already chatting.?

My top tip that helps me break the ice every time is to lead with a compliment.

For example, "I love your blouse; where did you get it?" Or "I totally agree with what you just said there."

Opening up or joining a conversation this way creates instant warmth and connection with people. Try it next time you are at a party or event and see how much easier it is to approach people.?

Tip 3: Be a good listener and ask thoughtful questions

Networking isn't just about talking; it's equally about listening.

Being a good listener not only shows respect for other's ideas and opinions but also helps you understand their needs and challenges.

I honestly believe the biggest gift you can give someone is your full attention.

One way you can show someone you are listening is by asking thoughtful questions, demonstrating your interest in others, and sparking engaging conversations.

Watch your body language too; smiling and nodding your head when someone is talking shows you are engaged and builds rapport.?

Tip 4: Follow up and stay connected

To get the most out of your Networking experience, see it as a long-term commitment that requires consistent follow-up and communication.

After a networking event, send a friendly DM expressing appreciation for the conversation and even go a step further by pointing out a mutual interest.

Regularly check in with your new connections, share relevant resources, and engage with any content they post online.

Staying connected keeps you on their radar and is the beginning of a long-lasting relationship.

Tip 5: Give back and help others

As mentioned earlier, networking is a two-way street. While it's important to seek help and advice, it's just as crucial to offer it.

I love matchmaking!

I do it all day, every day in my career, by introducing career professions to new companies.

For example, at our last event, my business partner and I chatted with a woman who wanted to secure a board position. A few weeks prior, we had a conversation with someone who was looking for more professionals to join their charity and take a seat on the board.

The next day, we made the introduction and later found out that the woman we spoke to was the newly pronounced board member.

This would never have happened if we were unaware of that woman's intentions.

Helping others not only strengthens your relationships but also enhances your reputation as a valuable member of your professional community. Not to mention, it just feels so good when we help others.?

Whether it's sharing job leads, providing feedback, or simply offering a listening ear, your willingness to help can make a significant difference in someone else's career journey, and they are likely to return the favour when you need it.

I hope these tips help you network with confidence.?

Remember, networking isn't a one-time task but a continuous process that evolves with your career.

So, go forth and network with confidence, knowing that every interaction is a stepping stone towards achieving your career goals.

Looking to test your networking skills? We have a few more tickets left for our upcoming Sisterhood Social.

Grab a Ticket

Want to build more Career Confidence?

Check out my podcast.

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