With the COVID-19 pandemic likely having a negative impact on many different career paths, networking will be more important than ever this year.
Of course, you should always be making new connections and maintaining existing relationships. The impacts of the COVID pandemic only underscore this career principle.
Any networking activity is always mutually beneficial. If you help out the people in your network, they will be more likely to help you out when you need it. Helping out your contacts doesn’t have to involve making one grand gesture after another. Going on LinkedIn every day and ‘liking’ the posts of your connections is a simple gesture but being there day-in and day-out for your connections won’t go unnoticed.
If you’re looking to step up your networking game right now, consider the following suggestions.
Take An Interest
Networking will be a lot harder if you don’t take a genuine interest in the people you know. If you’re in the same industry, taking an interest in their stories or LinkedIn posts shouldn’t be too difficult.
If you’re not in the same industry, you’ll have to put in a bit more effort, but the extra effort can be very rewarding. In addition to forming a stronger bond with your acquaintance, you may also learn something about an industry that’s different from your own.
Communicate Regularly
Believe it or not – the people you know want to hear from you regularly. Use whatever communication channel feels natural to frequently keep in touch with those in your network. If you have a strong personal connection, an occasional phone call might be appropriate. If you’re tight but not in a personal sense, the occasional text exchange might be the way to go. For loose connections, you can post friendly, regular comments on their social media pages.
Provide Value
Business relationships are more transactional than personal relationships. If you are giving something to your connections, they will be more likely to give you something back.
Get in the habit of regularly providing something to your connections. Share content you think someone might be interested in. Offer advice and emotional support whenever appropriate.
Follow Through on Assistance
Nothing can sour a professional relationship faster than being unreliable. If you offer to help someone with a job referral or act as a personal reference, make sure you follow through.
Sometimes, connections may offer suggestions that are not time-sensitive. For instance, maybe someone asked you to check out an article or watch a video. Get in the habit of following up on these suggestions and responding to them.
Do Networking Things
We all know what it means to network: go to events, join professional groups, participate in social media discussions. Sometimes, these activities can feel forced and unnatural. However, most are worth your time and you may find out that with some practice, activities that once felt awkward eventually start to feel natural.
We Can Be a Part of Your Network
At SMCI, we can be an invaluable part of your professional network. Contact us today to learn more about how we can help your career. Explore these opportunities and apply today!
