Networking is about relationship building. The secret to establishing quality relationships is being intentional.ÌýThis means comingÌýprepared for eachÌýprofessionalÌýevent and valuingÌýeach connectionÌýyouÌýmake.
Want to begin growing your professional network? Follow ourÌýfiveÌýtips below.
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1. Stay Current on Industry Trends
When you approach someone at a networking event or conference,Ìýbe sureÌýtoÌýhaveÌýsomethingÌýin your mind that’s industryÌýrelevantÌýtoÌýstart a conversation. Make it a habit to track trends in your industry, read newspapers and trade journals, and scour websites and blogs.
2. Do Your Research
Before attendingÌýaÌýnetworking event, do your research and know who will be there. Do a Google search onÌýpeople you think you may want toÌýmeetÌýand learn what is important to them or their current projects. Look up social media pages like LinkedIn orÌýFacebook, andÌýsee if they have a personal or business website.
3. Set a Goal for the Event
You should set a goal for eachÌýevent you attend because you don’t want to spend most of your time talking to people you already know. For example, a healthcare management professional may set a goal to attend a networking event at the American Association of Healthcare Administrative Management and meet five managers and directors in healthcare contracting to expandÌýtheirÌýnetwork. Having a specific goal will keepÌýthemÌýfrom wastingÌýtheirÌýtime at the event.
4. Perfect your Pitch
Throughout the event, you’ll introduce yourself to many different people using your elevator pitch. An elevator pitch is a 30-60 second recap of who you are and what you do. You should include important information, but you don’t need to include your entire work history and career objectives. WatchÌýÌýtoÌýsee how to craft your introduction.
5. Follow-up with the People You’ve Met
After any event, be sure to send an emailÌýto those you’ve metÌýrecapping one or two pointsÌýfrom your conversationÌýthat were meaningful to you. If you promised to send information, you should do so within a few days. Try to schedule a date and time to meet again,Ìýbecause this shows you’re interested and serious about staying connected.
If you need additional help perfecting your networking skills, keep in mind UMGC Career Services is available to help you plan and achieve career success.ÌýÌýwith a UMGC Career Advising Specialist.
RhodaÌýSmackumÌýis a career advising specialist for Career Services and Alumni Relations at University of MarylandÌýGlobal Campus. She has approximately 28,000 hours of work experience in the field of career development. Ms.ÌýSmackumÌýenjoys working collaboratively, in partnership with students and alumni to identify career issues, match values with career choices and obtain meaningful work. She holds a Master of Arts degree from Bowie State University and a Bachelor of General Studies degree from the University of Maryland College Park. She is a Certified Master of Career Services (CMCS) and an Associate Certified Career Coach.
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