No matter what stage you are in your career, networking is an important skill to keep dialing in.

Building a better network can help you make valuable connections with potential partners, clients, mentors, and supervisors.  A lot of people get intimidated by the thought of networking, especially now that so many companies and people are embracing hybrid work models.

Set your networking goals.

One of the biggest mistakes you can make is networking without a strategy.   Make an assessment of what you’re hoping to accomplish: Are you looking to build skills? Find resources to improve your business? Gain knowledge about an industry?

Don’t underestimate anyone.

You never know who will bethe ‘right’ person.  Your barber, cousin, or personal trainer could be the person who helps you take that next step, so share your networking goals and career dreams with anyone and everyone.

Find ways to connect online

Use social media channels such as LinkedIn, Angellist, Twitter etc to find professionals who work in the field or for the company that interests you.  Start engaging with their posts and building an online rapport.  If you have a mutual friend, ask for an introduction.

Learn to Listen

Remember: Networking is a two-way street. Active listening is just as important as finding a way to start conversation. To create mutually beneficial relationships, ask your questions to better understand the other person’s needs so you can find ways to offer assistance before asking for favors. The more you learn about them, the easier it will be to pay it forward [with] anything from an app recommendation to an introduction to someone in your existing network.

Follow Up

One mistake that most people do is not follow up and connect on a regular basis.  No one wants to be hit up once for guidance, feedback, or an introduction then immediately dropped from all lines of communication.  Reaching out to your contacts only when you need something will make them “less likely to pick up your call (or answer your email) in the future.  Networking is often about playing the long game. So reach out, follow up, and start nurturing these new connections to turn them into valuable relationships.

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