Strategies to Empower You to Network Like a PRO - Part One

I work with the majority of my clients on networking strategies.

Once we have done the foundational work on building out their human architecture and personal brand, the next steps are to showcase on and offline in a strategy that is most aligned to them and where they will make the most impact.

Now, if you are the kinda of person who wants all the information at one time then jump straight into my article Strategies to Enhance Your Growth and Reputation or How to Network Like a Pro.

In this weeks newsletter I want to focus on how to network without feeling fake or insincere and the types of networking that exists.

Reconciling the desire to make a big, positive impact in the tech industry without being perceived as fake or insincere involves a delicate balance of authenticity, strategic self-promotion, and genuine engagement.

I am outlining the definitions of these for you, below:

Authenticity

In tech, I believe authenticity refers to the genuine expression of one’s true self, values, and beliefs in their professional actions and interactions.?

It means being honest about your skills, experiences, and motivations, and acting in a way that aligns with your personal and professional ethics.?

Strategic Self-Promotion?

Strategic self-promotion refers to the intentional and thoughtful sharing of one’s achievements, skills, and contributions in a manner that is both genuine and effective, aiming to advance one’s career, reputation, or professional standing without appearing boastful or insincere.

Strategic self-promotion is not just about making oneself known; it’s about effectively communicating one’s value in a way that contributes to career advancement, builds professional relationships, and enhances one’s reputation within the industry, all while maintaining a sense of humility and authenticity.

Genuine Engagement?

Genuine engagement in a professional context refers to meaningful and sincere interactions with colleagues, peers, mentors, and others within your industry or workplace. It emphasizes authenticity, mutual respect, and a genuine interest in the ideas, contributions, and well-being of others.

Genuine engagement is about creating meaningful connections that enrich professional relationships, contribute to a supportive and collaborative environment, and foster a sense of community and belonging in the workplace or industry.

Let us explore various networking methods

There’s so many to choose from and I recommend choosing just 1 - 3 options to start with.

Online Networking

• Platforms: LinkedIn, Twitter, industry-specific forums.
• Strategies: Regularly share and comment on relevant content, join professional groups, engage in discussions, and connect with new people in your field.
• Benefits: Access to a global network, ability to connect with industry leaders and peers, and opportunities to showcase your expertise.

Event Networking

• Platforms: Conferences, seminars, workshops, and meetups.
• Strategies: Prepare an elevator pitch, set goals for people you want to meet, follow up after events, and be ready to share and exchange contact information.
• Benefits: Face-to-face interactions can lead to stronger connections, opportunities to learn about industry trends, and potential mentorship or collaboration opportunities.

Informational Interviewing

• Platforms: One-on-one meetings arranged through connections or cold outreach.
• Strategies: Research the person’s background, prepare thoughtful questions, be respectful of their time, and send a thank-you note afterward.
• Benefits: Gains insights into specific roles or industries, advice on career paths, and personal connections with professionals in your field.

Group Networking

• Platforms: Professional associations, clubs, and interest groups.
• Strategies: Regular participation in meetings, volunteer for leadership roles, and contribute to projects or initiatives.
• Benefits: Builds a sense of community, opportunities for personal and professional development, and access to industry resources.

Social Networking

• Platforms: Social gatherings, alumni events, friend-of-a-friend introductions.
• Strategies: Be open to casual conversations about work and interests, carry business cards, and follow up on introductions with a meeting or LinkedIn connection.
• Benefits: Creates more relaxed opportunities for connections, often leading to unexpected professional opportunities.

Peer Networking

• Platforms: Co-working spaces, online forums, peer mentorship programs.
• Strategies: Share knowledge and resources, provide and seek feedback, and collaborate on projects.
• Benefits: Fosters a supportive environment for growth, encourages accountability, and enhances problem-solving through diverse perspectives.

The first one I will choose to explore is:

Informational Interviewing

• Platforms: One-on-one meetings arranged through connections or cold outreach.
• Strategies: Research the person’s background, prepare thoughtful questions, be respectful of their time, and send a thank-you note afterward.
• Benefits: Gains insights into specific roles or industries, advice on career paths, and personal connections with professionals in your field.

As I have this to be the most important and beneficial networking when strategically planning one’s career plus gaining more insights into next steps whilst expanding out your professional network with curiosity.

How to get started?

Make a list of 5 - 10 companies that you are interested in learning more about and also potentially, that you may like to work for.

The same can be said for Founders, CEOs, CTOs and even Inventors.

Perhaps there’s an Engineering Manager or VP you’d love to connect with and ask a whole bunch of questions.

It’s important to know, you can do this and this happens regularly each and every day. Networking is not a new tactic or strategy and has been practised for centuries.

In next weeks' edition I will tap more into the mindset and psychology of networking and how to wrangle your own discomfort around the process including the fear of being judged or rejected.

You sure don't want to miss this edition!!

Hi, I'm Kirsty Norton and I help techies stand out and level up their career.

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