Embrace the idea of networking to help you successfully grow your career. In this post, we’ll cover essential networking tips for career growth to help you get ahead professionally.

“Networking is more about farming than hunting.” — Ivan Misner, the founder and chief visionary officer of BNI

Networking can feel scary and intimidating for many people, especially introverts. It doesn’t mean you have to attend a large conference or be in a large crowd.

It means building solid relationships with people you can learn from. Networking means starting and nurturing one-on-one relationships with people you stay in touch with over your career.

For example, it can serve as a mentor or be a mentee.

Once you learn and implement practical networking approaches, you will realize you can be comfortable and excel at networking.

Networking can be authentic and impactful. It can help you advance your career.

So, how do you get comfortable with the idea of networking?

First, it begins by developing a process for building relationships. The next step is learning from others. Then, target the right audience to increase your chances of success.

It would also be helpful if you understood your career path and learned what is best for you. When you network, make sure you swap tips and resources.

To be successful at networking, it is helpful to understand what type of role, company, and industry you want.

Many jobs are landed through networking. A referral or introduction can make a big difference in advancing your career.

“Your network is your net worth.” — Porter Gale, a speaker, networker, and entrepreneur

5 simple tips to help you feel more comfortable networking

Here are five simple yet powerful tips to help you meet new people, grow your network, and grow your career.

1. Change your mindset about networking

The first place to start with networking is to dispel myths and hesitations about it. There are many myths we believe about work and life.

Networking has many myths. One myth is that you should only network if you are looking for a job. Another is that extroverts are the best at networking.

Some people believe networking is seedy and don’t do it. You can ask for someone’s time and help if you do it correctly. You can be polite and professional with networking.

As you advance in your career, someone will ask you for help, so you can return the favor. The only way to get something is to ask for it. Get to know yourself and ask for support.

Networking can start simply by getting a great mentor and setting up a successful agreement.

Networking is about learning as much as it is about building relationships. The key is to be prepared and thoughtful. It would help if you had interesting questions to cultivate deeper relationships.

2. Know your target audience

To get comfortable with networking, you must know your target audience. Whom should you reach out to and network with? If you don’t talk to the right people, networking can feel uncomfortable.

When you first start networking, be open-minded. You’ll be surprised by who you already know in your network.

Ask a family member, friend, neighbor, acquaintance, or someone at your gym who would be someone good to talk to. They can introduce you to someone.

After you build your momentum, refine who you should talk to when networking.

If you are in marketing, you should:

• Talk to other marketers.
• Connect with consultants and people who work at agencies that help marketers.
• Find groups on LinkedIn or reach out to your college alumni network.

People are more interested in helping when you have some connection. You can also use LinkedIn to see your mutual connections in your network and kindly ask for an introduction.

3. Find ways to make networking feel more natural

Sometimes, it can feel fake and inauthentic to network. That’s why it is crucial to make networking feel more natural.

Avoid going into a sales mode right away. Focus on having fun first. Wait until the end to discuss business.

To make it feel more authentic, introduce yourself first by saying something like:

“My name is [insert the first name]. I work/go to school [insert at the company you work at or college you attend]. It’s nice to meet you.”

Most people will tell you their names and introduce themselves.

Be curious and find a common interest or passion you share that is non-work related. It will help you build a fun relationship beyond your work.

Break the ice with food or drinks. You can often meet people while waiting in line for food and beverages at an event.

You can also use networking tools like LinkedIn to help you connect.

For example, LinkedIn is powerful in showing you what you have in common with the other person. It reveals connections like school, company, location, or group.

There are also other industry-specific groups on Slack or on platforms like Reddit or Quora.

4. Master your elevator pitch

To feel more comfortable networking, you must learn to phrase who you are and your value to your networking contacts.

It starts and ends with your elevator pitch — a short and memorable description of who you are.

Your elevator pitch should be brief (think 30 seconds). That’s why it is called an elevator pitch. It is roughly the amount of time you would spend riding in an elevator with someone.

Your elevator pitch should be persuasive, clear, positive, and flexible. It should be customized to your audience. Speak clearly and concisely.

Practice your elevator pitch in the mirror. Smile and be authentic. Let your passion show, and don’t overthink it.

• Have a solid call to action.
• Give out a business card.
• Connect on LinkedIn.
• Schedule a 15-minute call next week.
• Ask for an introduction from their network.

Test and tweak it. Ultimately, be confident in yourself.

5. Follow up

Networking is not a one-and-done thing. You must follow up with your connections after an event, email introduction, or discussion online.

Many people work hard with networking but forget to follow up. That’s one of the most crucial parts of networking!

Make sure you follow up within 24 to 48 hours.

A follow-up note should include the next steps. It should offer helpful information, like an excellent article. It should also specify when and where to reconnect.

As a rule of thumb, you should reconnect with your network at least twice yearly to keep it warm.

Please make sure you stay top of mind with your network.

Connect with them on LinkedIn. Share helpful content. Connect as much as you can.

Bringing it all together

Five simple yet powerful tips will help you feel more comfortable networking.

1. Change your mindset about networking.
2. Know your target audience.
3. Find ways to make networking feel more natural.
4. Master your elevator pitch.
5. Follow up.

When you embrace the idea of networking, you can successfully grow your career. Networking can be a valuable way to accelerate your career.

“If you want to go fast, go alone. If you want to go far, go with others.” — African proverb

While it is natural to have hesitations about networking, you can overcome them by changing your mindset. Networking can feel comfortable.

Let go of your limiting beliefs and tap into the power of building strong relationships.

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