Networking: Did you know that some experts say that 70 percent of people ended up in their current position due to networking?

How are your networking skills? If you are being honest, could you benefit from some top tips?

Ways to Network

  • Join a book club, sports club or activity club
  • Volunteer (https://speedvolunteer.london.gov.uk)
  • Attend Meet Up events (http://www.meetup.com)
  • Check out facebook events and also facebook groups related to the area you are interested in
  • Find a business association
  • Research local events
  • Ask your friends for introductions
  • Toastmasters
  • Go to seminars, book signings, speaking events
  • Join the board (or become a key player) of a charity close to your heart
  • Part time job
  • Cold reach out e.g. message people on LinkedIn to find out more about company/ career
  • Apps for meeting people in a professional capacity e.g. Shapr and Bumble

What should you do when you attend networking events?

  • Learn how to introduce yourself properly
  • Don’t take over the conversation and talk about yourself
  • Ask questions and listen to the answers. You can prepare the questions in advance.
  • Smile and have a friendly approach
  • Remember the names of the people you are speaking to
  • Be yourself!
  • Research attendees and come prepared
  • Take a friend along with you
  • Try to make at least one new friend at every event you attend
  • Dress to impress. Wear an outfit that makes you feel confident
  • Follow up after the event e.g. connect via email or LinkedIn
  • Practice answering questions beforehand
  • A firm handshake is essential when meeting new people. If you are not sure about your handshake then practice
  • Think about what you can offer other people rather than what you can get out of the people you meet.
  • Prepare your elevator pitch in advance. A short and concise summary of who you are and what you do. Don’t ramble.
  • Attend a mixture of different events to expand your horizons and meet different people outside of your current circle.

If you are looking to do something different in the next stage of your career then networking is really important. Encourage yourself to attend some events and meet some new people.

What Should You Do Next

Caroline Wellingham is an Accredited Career Coach and a certified NLP Practitioner. She loves encouraging, motivating and inspiring clients to achieve their career goals and ambitions. If you want to become passionate about your career and you think you could benefit from a career change coach then book in for a free 30 minute consultation>>> click here

Identify Your Strengths>>> click here 

Career Change Workshop>>> click here

Work with Caroline Wellingham>>> click here