So You've Added Connections to Your Network, Now What?

Making new connections and building your network takes time and effort.  You have to attend networking events, present yourself well, and actually talk to people.  You've gone out and done the work.  You made eye contact, were a good listener, and met a lot of interesting people that are the newest members in your LinkedIn contacts.  Great.  So, now what do you do with them?  How do you put this network you've built to some use for you?  I've got good news and bad news.  The bad news is, while building your network takes effort, it doesn't stop there.  The good news is, that the effort you make in engaging your network is worth more than you can imagine.  But you have to know how to go about it.

Related:  Tips for Networking in Person

Without a network it's almost impossible to get anywhere in business, whether you own one or you're looking to work for one.  That's why we network.  The more people know and like you, the more willing they are to help you.  That's the purpose of your network, but it's also the purpose of the people who's networks you belong to.  It's not just about you.  They've included you as a contact because of the probability that you may be of benefit to them, at some point.  They're networking for the same reasons you are.  To help themselves get ahead.  


The point is to make other people want to help you as much as they want to help themselves.  The only way to do that, is to help them first.  When you're looking for opportunities for yourself, make sure you keep an eye out for how you can help someone else.  Make a habit of looking for opportunities for others in your network and contacting them to let them know.  Like anything, the more you do it, the easier it becomes.  

Related:  Using Your Network to Find a Job

Just for example, the other day I was meeting with a potential client to discuss a social media marketing plan.  During the conversation it was mentioned that they're also going to need someone to help them with more traditional marketing methods, like print and radio.  The first thing I thought of was a friend who owns a marketing company that could help them.  Although it wouldn't be business for me, I asked what their needs were so I could pass it along to my friend.  If I can help generate some business for him, he's likely to do the same for me.  And tell other people that I helped him, too.

If you want people to help you, which is the purpose of building your network, you have to help them first.  Actively look for opportunities for people you know, and refer them.  When you start helping others succeed, they'll start helping you.  And really, it's just the law of karma.  You get back what you put out.  

Tips for Networking in Person

Networking can be challenging regardless of whether it's online or in person.  Both methods have their own particular rules and etiquette that you have to keep track of.  The benefit of online networking is that it's more passive.  You don't have to leave the couch and actually go talk to other people.  It doesn't even require pants.  Since you can build your network, pants-less from the couch, why should you bother getting out and networking in person?

Related: Networking and Online Dating

Networking in person gives you, and everyone else, a chance to get to know each other better.  When you're present physically, you can do things like make eye contact and shake hands.  These things are actually pretty beneficial when you're building a relationship.  And it's more fun than sitting at home trying to make sure you're not getting orange cheese puff powder on your keyboard.  It is, I promise. Besides, there's frequently free snacks and drinks at networking events.  Although I don't suggest just hanging out at the snack table.

Here's what I do suggest;  

1.  Make sure you smile.  This doesn't mean plaster a creepy, plastic grin on your face and turn it on anyone who looks your direction.  Unless you're Wednesday Addams, this won't work for you.  Smile genuinely at other people while making eye contact and say hello.  Most people will respond in kind, especially at a networking event. And this opens the door to....

2.   Introducing yourself.  Once you've made that initial connection with your dazzling smile and brilliantly played hello, follow it up with "My name is....." and a handshake.  They'll automatically introduce themselves and you've got the conversation started.  It's just that easy.  

3.  Ask leading questions about the other person and listen to the answer.  Don't worry so much about what you're going to say next or jump right in with what you do.  Ask about them first, listen to what they have to say, and follow it with a question about what they just told you.  Encouraging someone to talk about themselves, and listening to what they say, is key to having people like you.  You'll make them feel special and that you value their time.  And once they like you, they're much more receptive to what you have to say.

Related:  Making a Great First Impression

4.  Get there on time or even a few minutes early.  If you're one of the first people to arrive you won't be met with an intimidating mass of people already grouped up in conversation.  Instead, you'll be able to position yourself as a greeter, meeting people as they come in.  And you'll have your choice of who to speak with.  Leave that awkward feeling of trying to break into a group to someone else.  



5.  And the most important tip of all, have fun.  Networking isn't boring if you put the focus on learning about other people rather than promoting yourself.  It also takes a lot of pressure off you.  Rather than trying to think of what to say to show everyone how great you are, you just have to ask a few questions and let them do the talking.  Which is really what makes people think you're awesome, anyway.  


I know it's a hassle to get showered, dressed and out in public.  Introducing yourself to, and having conversations with, strangers can be intimidating.  But the connections you make will be worth it.  People are much more likely to help and recommend someone they've met and spoken with in person. Besides, networking events have different snacks than you do at home.  At the very least it'll add some variety to your diet. 

Learn to Use LinkedIn Like a Pro in An Hour

After receiving requests from clients, friends and readers, we caved and decided to hold an in-person LinkedIn workshop.  And because many of you aren't local to the Ventura County area, we're scheduling an online workshop, as well.  And as soon as that's been finalized, we'll let you know.  But for now, if you're local and want to learn how to make LinkedIn work for you, please join us.  Not only will it be informative and fun, but we'll have cookies. And you don't want to miss the cookies.

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Planning Your Career

Having an actual career takes a little more effort than just getting a job.  Although, there's nothing wrong with having a job that pays the bills and lets you go do something else that you like.  I had a friend that was a semi-pro cyclist. His career was cycling but he still had a job to keep a roof over his head.  But for most of us, we want a career that allows us to grow, learn and take on greater responsibilities, all while getting paid more with each step. Unfortunately, that doesn't just happen because you start working.  It takes some planning and goal setting to get things moving in the right direction.  

Related:  Enhance Your Job Skills

The obvious first step is to get training in whatever it is you want to do.  That could mean earning a degree (or several), going to a trade school or obtaining a specific certification.  However, in today's competitive job market, the right training may not be enough.  Lately, even entry level jobs are requiring some experience.  And a great way to get that experience is through internships and the best time to start doing them is while you're still in school.  This gives you the experience potential employers are looking for, shows you're motivated to work in your chosen field, and demonstrates your work ethic.


Once you've landed that job in your chosen field you still need to be looking ahead.  Decide what your next position should be and start laying the groundwork to get there.  Start by learning everything you can in your current position.  Take part in any relevant training your employer offers, become an expert in your field, and continue to learn throughout your career.  Ask questions and show interest in the work and projects of your coworkers as well as your manager.  Besides learning a lot, showing interest in others encourages them to be interested in you.  And people are more willing to give helpful opportunities to other people they like.  

These methods still work!

Which brings us to the next step, networking.  Constantly work on building your network.  Talk to people, ask about them, and show interest in what they do.  Make genuine connections with other professionals in your industry and offer to help them whenever you can.  If you help people with introductions, leads on open positions, and helping them land an interview, they're going to help you when you're ready to make your next move.  You may not even have to ask. It's human nature to want to reciprocate when help has been given already.  This is absolutely the best way to find your next position, even if it's at another company.

Related:  Networking and Online Dating

Keep your resume and LinkedIn profile up to date.  If you get an award, accomplish a major goal or finish a project, make the updates right away. It's easier to do as they happen, while it's still fresh in your mind, than it is all at once years later while you're stressing about getting it done so you can apply for that great position that just came open.  Keep everything updated regularly and you'll always be prepared to act quickly should the perfect opportunity arise.

Your career is yours to create, build and direct.  No one else can do it for you and it won't happen by accident.  Make a plan, lay the groundwork and be prepared to act fast when an opportunity presents itself.  Don't let your career just happen to you, make it happen for you.