Strong networking abilities can spell business success because you could:
- access jobs before that never get advertised
- secure new business
- find the latest industry manoeuvres
- learn about the best events
- talk to top-level thinkers.
Wading in
- Reach out. Contact colleagues (old and new), former managers and school friends
- Make the most of IET networks such as Local and Technical and Professional Networks
- Attend networking events
- Join relevant clubs and associations
A few tips
- Stay in touch fairly regularly. Email or phone are both good mediums but take care not to be intrusive. Make sure you have a specific reason before getting in touch.
- Create a database with people you meet and write notes on each person about what you learned and how they could be useful.
- Pass leads to top people and they’ll reciprocate. Your relationship must be two-sided.
- Keep an open mind. Someone you don’t have much in common with could be a great networker and surprise
- you with how helpful they can be.
- Never be negative. Networking is built on good personal relationships, becoming negative about others could work against you.
- Be a good listener and not a loud talker, you’ll learn a lot more.
- Networking might not feel natural a first, and not every person you meet will be valuable, but it gets easier the more you throw yourself into it.