How to Network- Part 2

Now that you’re over the hump of Networking being cringe-y, it’s time to approach it like the boss that you are.

Here are my 5 steps for networking your way to growth. And if you want more where this came from, sign up for my email list and get the free networking guide complete with scripts to help you impress the heck out of everyone you meet.

My Proven Networking Process

Step 1. Ask yourself big questions in relation to your next move.

Start with asking some questions in relation to what you want and why you want it. It is important to know your intention so your actions are in alignment with your bigger why. You can start with questions like:

• What is your vision for your career?

• What are your values supporting your vision?

• What are the ways you want to grow and develop?

• In what environments do you want to do that (employers, clients, partners, industries, etc.)?

 Notice I didn’t say call anyone…yet.

Step 2. List the types of people you need to meet.

Start by thinking broadly.

For example, if you want to be a Chief Marketing Officer in the next 10 years, your broad list of the type of people could look like this:

-       Current marketing professionals at brands I admire

-       People who work at agencies and other service providers

-       Thought leaders creating content in this space (podcasters, bloggers, writers)

-       People that work with marketing teams within the same company (sales staff, HR) or industry

-       Recruiters who help place talent

Then, start narrowing this list into the people you know or know of who may be or know some of the people you’re looking for from your broad list. You only need a few names to get started.

  But before you make one single call…

 Step 3. Create an intentional intro and agenda.

Now that you have your vision, you know who you need to talk to make connections, you need to know what to say when you reach out to these people and when you meet these people. We don’t want to reach out to a lot of people, specifically those who may not know you well, without a clear approach.

When you first reach out to these people, you need to have a brief and effective introduction so the person you are contacting knows who you are, why you reached out to them and what you are looking to gain. Think of a 1-minute or less pitch about yourself (your background, a career highlight or two), and you also want to be clear when you do get on the call with them, how you will have a valuable engagement. Do this first and the meetings will be a lot easier.

For example approaches, sign up to be on my email list where you can get a free e-book that captures scripts to use.

Step 4. Reach out with your future-self at the wheel.

Now that you have completed the first 3 steps, you are ready to start outreach. This may be the hardest part for some of you because you need to get comfortable putting yourself out there. If you are in the position where you were laid off or fired, you may not be feeling confident; it could be the opposite.

When you don’t think you are worthy and don’t believe in what you have to offer, it will impact how you sell yourself. It’s important that you get into a state of belief in yourself and in what you can do in the future while you’re making these outreaches.

For me, that meant journaling every morning and listening to something inspirational (try the Work & Whim podcast) to get me in a state of belief. For others, it’s about prayer and meditation. Use the time before you reach out to these people to focus on a positive self-concept. Remember that all change starts from within. The better you think and feel towards yourself, the more positively you will impact your results.

It’s worth noting that people may not respond immediately or at all. Don’t let that be a reason that you stop doing the work. Who and what is for you won’t pass you, so keep moving and keep learning.

Step 5. Document, Reflect & Follow-up.

You are going to learn so much from this process- not only about your next role, but about yourself. As you are having these meetings, make sure you document discussion highlights so you can go back and reference them. In some instances, my networking call led to an interview or another connection within someone the prior contact introduced me to after the call.

It was great to be able to look back at my notes and pull-out context that helped me prepare.

It’s also important to follow-up with the people who took the time to talk to you and refer you to other people. I recommend as soon as you complete the call to send a brief note of thanks, your resume to pass along, and even a meaningful article or piece of content that could help them or helped you. Of course, if the individual asked you for help, make sure you action what you committed to in return. 

Though networking can seem daunting, with a proven approach, it can actually be enjoyable. In fact, I use this approach today as I continue to meet and connect with individuals as I expand my reach within my current career phase. Remember that you are your best advocate. Get your name out there- people need and want what you have to offer!