Over the last 6 months, I’ve been having more and more conversations about the challenges of networking during this time of disconnection, particularly the challenges in creating authentic connections. However, as we know, it is critical for our careers. Current research produced by LinkedIn shows that more than 85% of its users had found their last job through networking.
We all know that “networking” is important for our careers, but are we spending any time on this at the moment? Whether we are working or not, it is a key aspect of career growth and career transformation.
A lot of people are feeling that they can’t network at the moment, as COVID limits face-to-face interaction. However, real authentic connections are more important than ever while people are disconnected from their “usual” routine.
Not only is it important for career evolution (more to come on this soon…), but it is also something we CAN control, as opposed to a lot of what’s going on in the world around us, and right now connection is probably more critical than ever before. So let’s focus on what we can control and do some connecting!
Tip 1: Time Management
Keep to a routine, and make sure you have put some time into the diary each week for building connections. |
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Tip 3: Be Informed
Staying informed is integral to great networking… read every newspaper you can get your hands on.
- There is a lot of great business news content that is free, the guardian, the ABC etc.
- Know current market trends
- Read the commentaries about future economic trends, this is what we are all interested in.
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Tip 4: Reach out
Reach out!
- Who have you connected with recently?
- Have you any dormant connections who haven’t heard from you in a while?
- Who may be feeling isolated at the moment?
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Tip 5: Organise
Get some real life meetings in the diary, in person is always best, perhaps in an outdoors cafe, or suggest a walking meeting. |
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Tip 6: Be flexible
If real life meetings don’t work, be flexible!
- Embrace the zoom catch ups, they are so much more powerful than phone calls.
- If phone calls are the only option, treat them like an in person meeting and dress for them! People sound quite different when they are dressed in a suit, as opposed to in pyjamas!
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Tip 7: Prepare
Prepare for each meeting the way you would for any business meeting.
- What are you going to discuss?
- What are you researching?
- Who do they know?
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Tip 8: How can you help them?
True authentic connections should be a 2 way street. How can you add value? |
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Tip 9: Follow Up
Don’t forget the thank you notes, and definitely don’t forget to do what you promised. Stay in touch!
Katrine Tully, Managing Director
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