Networking is nothing more than getting to know people. Whether you realize it or not, you’re already networking every day and everywhere you go. You are networking on a constant basis. Every time you go to school, work, grocery store, Starbucks, wherever, you are networking.
Every time you establish a new relationship, you are networking.
There are numerous benefits to networking, here are a few.
- Academic pursuits
- Job searching and career advancement
- Personal relationships
- Community impact
It’s said that the biggest reasons that students don’t network are that they don’t know the benefits of networking or consider themselves too shy to network.
Here’s a list of basic tips to network like a star…
- 30-second elevator
- ask questions
- seek to understand
- don’t ask for anything
- welcome others
- invite to meet again
- exchange contact info
- send followup email
- send followup personal card
- Send LinkedIn invite
We strongly advocate for the building of relationships. Personal networking is the ideal way to develop relationships. It adds significant value and tools you will use everyday. Adopting a networking lifestyle – of connecting and helping others in good times and bad – will help greatly enhance your personal and professional life.