Mastering the Art of Networking: Your Three-Step Guide to Professional Success
Maggie Seay delivering a fan-favorite presentation in our training series: The Art of Networking
Networking is an art that, when mastered, can open doors to countless opportunities and professional growth. In a world where "who you know" often matters more than "what you know," understanding how to effectively connect with others in your industry is a fundamental skill and the sooner we understand the power of our network, the sooner we experience the benefits.
I think about my network often. I can trace my career path through my network. I started building my network out of sheer necessity when I became a financial advisor at the ripe ol’ age of 24. My network at that time consisted of money-deficient college friends, so I turned to the Greater Chamber to find my people. Before I knew it, I was engaging with the president of the medical association, prominent bankers, lawyers, business owners, the superintendent of the third-largest school district in Texas, and many more. But the person who stands out the most is Crystal, a fellow chamber member who understood the power of networking. She pushed me to accept positions that gave me access to these people. She took me to events that I would have never attended alone. She helped me build a network of advocates, a network of people that connected me to opportunities that aligned with my unique abilities and the desire to control my professional future.
I can trace my current success through several specific people and encounters within my network. I appreciate all those opportunities, but I wouldn’t have a network this strong if I didn’t learn early how to build one, how to lean in and do things that seemed hard or out of my element. Those things that seemed difficult weren’t really. It just took clarity and then practice, always reminding myself that it’s ok to mess up and that not everyone is meant to be in my network.
A beginner’s guide to networking can be summed up in three essential strategies outlined in the post below: set clear goals for your networking efforts, prepare a compelling elevator pitch, and use business cards to make meaningful connections. Once you master these three fundamentals, you can focus your attention on next-level things like making meaningful small talk and getting out of bad conversations - “Oh, look at that, I have a call I have to take! It’s been great visiting with you!” Enjoy and good luck!
Have a clear goal in mind.
Approaching networking without a clear focus can lead to missed opportunities and wasted effort. To make the most of your networking, it's important to have specific goals in mind:
Identify what you want to achieve. Whether it's finding a mentor, learning about new trends, gaining industry insight, or seeking job opportunities, know your objectives.
Target the right events and people. Focus your efforts on events and individuals that align with the goals of both you and your company.
Effective follow-up: After making a connection, reach out within 48 hours to express your appreciation for the conversation and suggest a way to continue the dialogue.
Prepare an elevator pitch.
An elevator pitch is a brief, persuasive speech that you use to spark interest in what you do. It should be concise enough to deliver in a short elevator ride, hence the name. The key to a successful elevator pitch is to be clear, brief, and compelling, ensuring you leave a memorable impression on your new acquaintance. Here are a few tips for crafting an effective elevator pitch:
Keep it short and sweet. Aim for 30 seconds, focusing on who you are, what you do, and what you're looking for.
Tailor it to your audience. Modify your pitch based on who you're speaking to and their potential interest in your work.
End with a question or call to action. Encourage further conversation or a way to continue the connection.
Use your business cards correctly.
In the digital age, business cards remain a tangible way to exchange information and leave a lasting impression. A well-designed business card can set you apart from the competition and serve as a physical reminder of your encounter. Here's how to make the most of your business cards:
Memorable exchanges: When handing out your card, do so after you’ve established a connection. Make the exchange during the wrap up of your conversation to ensure it's correlated to a meaningful encounter.
Follow up: Use the receipt of a business card as an opportunity to follow up with a brief email or LinkedIn message, reinforcing the connection and opening the door for future communication.
Practice proper etiquette: When sitting with a group of people, don’t deal your cards like it’s a game of poker. Even if others are passing their “decks” of cards around the table, remember, your cards are valuable and should only be given out after making an actual connection.
In Conclusion
Networking can seem daunting, but with the right tools and a strategic approach, it can become one of your strongest professional assets. Armed with these strategies, you're ready to build meaningful connections that can propel your career forward. Now, step confidently into your next networking event and make every connection count.