How to make networking work for you:

The best way for me to impress upon you that networking isn’t as awful as you may think and actually works is for me to share my own networking story.

During my senior year of college, I made an important contact while interviewing for an internship. She graciously invited me to attend a Capital Region Human Resource Association networking event. I went by myself, but quickly found her and she kindly introduced me to several people, including a recruiter from Linium. You may guess where this is going; first I did an internship with Linium and then joined the team. That night of networking launched my career as a Recruiter and networking absolutely opened the door to the opportunity.

To take advantage of the networking opportunities that night, here’s what I did right:

  • Business Cards: I went to Staples and made a stack of business cards with my name and contact information for $10. Even though I wasn’t yet part of a company, having these cards proved to be invaluable.
  • Familiar Face: Finding someone that I already knew helped kick off the night in the right way. She made introductions for me, which helped keep my conversations flowing.
  • Dress Professionally: I didn’t have a business suit at the time so I wore a modest, professional dress and it sent the right message.

At first, it was uncomfortable to walk up to strangers at the event and introduce myself, but I now realize that’s exactly what people expect at these events. The one thing I do wish I had known, it’s not enough to only collect business cards — following up with those connections can prove to be important in your job search now and in the future.

Joining a networking group like the Chamber of Commerce or your regional HR Association may be helpful. Once you get to know people, networking events will be less scary and more of something you really look forward to attending.

And I’d like to recommend this great book by Leil Lowndes for tangible advice about networking: Talking the Winner’s Way: 92 Little Tricks for Big Success in Business and Personal Relationships

With anything in life, the more you practice at something the better you get at it and the easier it becomes, networking works the same way and with time you’ll go from a networking novice to a networking ninja. Just remember to smile, breathe and be your best self.

I hope to connect with you at a networking event soon! Share your networking story @LiniumRecruit

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Alaant Workforce Solutions

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Aligning businesses with the best employees so our community continues to thrive.

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