5 Networking Tips That Will Make You Exponentially More Connected

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• September 22, 2014
• By Jessica O'Donnell
• 3 Comments

These tips will get what you need to help land a job — connections!

A huge amount of recruitment comes from referrals. So it makes perfect sense to focus your efforts on building business connections, and what better way to build business connections? You guessed it, networking!

1. Do not expect anything

Do not attend a networking event under the impression you will meet people who will immediately be able to help you, i.e. if your intention is to find a new job, do not expect someone to just give you one! The idea behind networking is to make relevant connections and if something comes from it — great!

It’s all about having good, honest business conversations with people in your industry — you never know, you may stumble across a great opportunity. (Click here to tweet this thought.) This brings us nicely to our next point. …

2. Don’t get to know the most people, get to know the right people

Define a successful networking event. Go on… what do you consider to be a successful networking event? Pockets full of business cards? Hundreds of new contacts?

Remember that networking isn’t about how many people you speak to; it’s about who you speak to. You should leave the event knowing that you have made a lasting impression on a handful of people; similarly a handful of people should have made a lasting impression on you.

Circling the crowd is a great idea, however, you need to remember that you have only a limited amount of time to get your message across (and listen to the messages of others).

You cannot network successfully without giving something back. In order for people to help you, you’re probably going to need to help them.

Think of networking as a two-way street — you need to form mutual relationships with the people you meet. In this case, you may want to focus on how your skills, qualifications, expertise, glowing personality, wit and charm can help a business grow.

But remember not to make it all about you, you, you. People love to talk about themselves, so give them the opportunity. Be sure to ask questions about them, their careers, their business, and to engage fully in conversation.

3. Have a business card to share

Attending a networking event without a handful of business cards is by far one of the biggest mistakes you can make. If you network successfully, people will want to contact you.

I think it is a great idea to include the URL to your LinkedIn profile on your business card. It gives people the opportunity to check you out online. Not only this, you will be able to see that someone has viewed your profile, one of the many perks of LinkedIn, and you can then connect with them.

If you have a conversation with someone you feel could be beneficial to you, be sure to not only hand them your business card, but to request one of theirs.

4. Do not regard anyone as irrelevant

At a networking event you never know who knows who, so only a fool would regard others as irrelevant or of no use. Not only is it rude not to make the effort, word will likely get out that you’re a bit foolish.

In some cases, the most unlikely of people are the ones who can help the most. Be friendly, real and pleasant to everyone.

5. Do not get drunk!

Honestly, I would strongly recommend that you do not drink — not even a drop! Although it may help calm your nerves (especially if it’s your first event), drinking can be perceived as unprofessional.

Once you have plucked up the courage to speak to one person and the conversation starts to flow, your nerves will calm themselves.

Some of these tips may appear a little obvious, but you would be surprised how many people make simple mistakes that prevent them from networking effectively. Use these tips and focus on building good, honest business connections. If you can do this successfully at your next event, a job could be on the horizon.

Jessica O’Donnell is a well-known blogger of all things career and recruitment related. Currently working at Frazer John Recruitment, Jess contributes to their blog on a regular basis offering great career tips and advice for all those looking to move forward in their careers.

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