One of the most daunting things as you get older, is building new connections. It gets even worse in a professional space. This is because when we look at professionals, we think they are senior “top dogs” at their job. Though 99% of the time, they are just your average person with a job, trying their best to earn a living. But until you can think of them that way, networking is honestly terrifying. So here is a guide on navigating networking early in your career.
Step one – Get LinkedIn
Unless your job says you can’t, getting LinkedIn is a good way to go. It’s the IG of professionals. Yes, there are some people showing off their next steps, but also companies are very active there too. They showcase new projects, new job vacancies and all sorts (which is handy for job interviews).
I wrote a bit about setting up a LinkedIn account and I have a little LinkedIn starter kit, to get started on the platform. Since most people have LinkedIn, its actually become more popular than giving out your email to everyone. Also, it’s a social media app, so if the algorithm likes your post, it will be shared beyond your own direct network.
You do not need to post on LinkedIn like how content creators post on other social medias. Unless you are trying to grow a business or leads, posting your achievements and supporting your connections is enough for a LinkedIn user. The aim is to have a digital CV that showcases the work you have done, in a little more depth than our actual CV and cover letter. You can still elaborate on the experiences in your interview, but if the recruiters saw your profile, they would have a better idea on you.
Step 2 – Engage with your co-workers to get to know senior individuals
These are a good way to approach more senior people without having to prepare too much. Your co-workers will know these people and introduce you (hopefully with some praise about how great you are) and BAM! A conversation erupts. All you need to do is have the ability to pick up on discussion points in a conversation and go along with it.
How you approach your co-workers can be done by these methods:
- You are working on a task where they recognise that you need to consult someone more senior than them.
- If you hear a name drop, ask around about that individual and a co-worker will most likely introduce you
- If you have aspirations of going more senior, mention it to co-workers (especially for development purposes) and they can nudge in the direction of who to go to for more information
Step 3 – Get involved with volunteering which gets you involved within your industry
Everyone loves a volunteer. Someone giving free work, for minimal in return. It’s best to sign up to ones that interest you, and not just any opportunity. Companies tend to have initiatives which means you can get informed of volunteering opportunities. But it’s also good to look outside those too, as that broadens your network and the companies. With volunteering, they are normally at smaller enterprises and so many people walk through your doors, which exposes you to more people. Further building up your network.
Volunteering exposes you to business connections and personal ones. And they also help you get more involved in the community. The experience you can get from these opportunities are insanely different from your day job. And showing that you can devote time outside of your day job, is a reputable characteristic for future progressions.
A guide to networking from me
Another year, another update about LinkedIn. I recently attended a conference for supply chain companies in the local area, and I represented the company I am with. I am with this company as a social impact initiative, so all my working hours are spent with them (a secondment). At this event I presented my experience volunteering at this company, and got a lot of LinkedIn recognition out of it. It was interesting to hear people’s perceptions of my presentation and hear their feedback.
At that event I took my own advise from my last networking post and wore my red blazer. Lo’ and behold I was the only one wearing red in the room. Very catchy. Along with my dazzling personality it was a successful event. And that’s because I said yes to my CEO asking me to stand in for her. Accepting any opportunity given to you can broaden your network reach and exposure.
TL;DR Too Long; Didn’t Read
If you can, get started on LinkedIn – Start building your professional network, you don’t know where it will lead you (Use my starter kit to get going)
Everyone is focused on themselves – So don’t worry and post what you feel comfortable to post
Start with your colleagues to help you branch out – We got to start somewhere
Give your time, when you can – Volunteering goes a long way
Be you – It’s not a good look to keep a fake profile at work
