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PAE
satisfaction. In the end, avoiding networking The first is creating and taking advantage of
may hurt your career. networking opportunities. Join social clubs,
sports teams, professional associations, and
Fortunately, there is no need to feel attend as many work-related events as you
exploitative or awkward about networking – it can manage.
can be as simple as making new friends. In
fact, this is one of the main reasons people Prepare yourself for networking events by
engage in networking in the first place. developing an elevator script to introduce
yourself and serve as an ice-breaker. Include
Dispelling networking myths something unique and interesting about
Research suggests there are four myths yourself that will capture people’s interest and
about effective networking. First, some people remember you, and practice your script so it
believe effective networkers are born, not flows naturally.
made. This is not true; effective networkers If possible, review the participant list before
work hard at honing their networking abilities.
events and make a note of the people
Second is the belief that effective networkers you’d like to meet. Research them and their
exploit other people. On the contrary, the organization online and on social media sites
most effective networkers are co-operative like LinkedIn to learn more about them.
and consider building relationships to be an Indeed, you can use social media to your
opportunity to give to others, instead of taking.
advantage. Research has shown that work-
Third, some think effective networkers related social media sites can help people
shield their networks from others. This is develop networks and promote career
also inaccurate. People who are effective at success. It is the frequency of use, not the
networking are interested in helping others number of contacts, that is associated with
build their networks too, so they share their positive career outcomes.
contacts with other people. This, in turn, can
extend their networks even further. Build connections
During networking opportunities, aim to meet
Fourth, people assume effective networkers as many people as possible. One of the most
stay in constant contact with everyone they important networking skills is making a good
know. That would be exhausting. Instead, first impression, so, make sure to smile and
most networkers prioritize staying in touch speak calmly and confidently. Give people
with the people who are most important to your full attention and don’t look around
them at any given time.
the room like you’re seeking out your next
Take advantage of opportunities conversation target.
Based on academic research, books on Based either on the research you have done
interpersonal skills and training that targets or things you learn while chatting, ask open-
them, there are three tactics you can ended questions that can stimulate rich
implement to get better at networking and conversation and uncover mutual interests.
reap the associated benefits.
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