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When networking, it’s OK to ask about as promotions, and contact them to stay in
personal matters like hobbies and leisure touch. Don’t use social media for this — it’s
activities — as long as you don’t pry and too impersonal.
respect the signals you receive about
whether or not people are comfortable On occasion, send people emails with details
discussing these things. Similarly, be willing you think they’ll find valuable or call them up
to appropriately share your own personal and go for a coffee or lunch without the sole
interests. intention of discussing business. Be friendly,
and always convey that you have time for
Remember, being professional doesn’t people.
necessarily require being formal. Consider If all this sounds intimidating, take comfort in
asking someone you know to introduce you to knowing that one study found that only two per
someone you don’t. Always be thinking of how
you can help others through your knowledge, cent of managers were effective at all of the
skills or existing contacts, but don’t force it. Try networking skills the researchers identified. In
to find common ground. other words, most people are still learning and
improving.
When you leave a conversation, thank the Nobody is perfect at networking, but we can
person for their time, ask for their business all improve with practice. With a little effort,
card or contact information and express your you can network like a pro. If you do it right, it
interest in staying in touch.
won’t feel exploitative because you won’t be
Maintain connections manipulating anyone. It won’t feel awkward
After networking opportunities, make notes either, because you’ll simply be allowing your
to remember details about the people you’ve strengths and personality to shine. You may
met, including important dates like birthdays even find that networking is fun and enriches
and anniversaries. Also, pay attention to not only your career, but your life.
important events in your contacts lives such theconversation.com
24 November 2024
