Four Tips to Make You Realize That Networking Is Natural

Everyone knows how important networking is in the job search. But many people really do not enjoy doing it, especially if they are more introverted and have difficulty introducing themselves to people they don’t know and opening up to them.

But networking doesn’t have to be an anxiety-ridden enterprise if you follow a few simple suggestions from career experts. In fact, it may even turn out to be something you enjoy as you get a chance to converse with new and interesting people. Like anything else, practice makes perfect. The more you do it, the better you become at it. It becomes easier and more natural.

Here are a few tips.

1. You cannot just take, you have to contribute as well

This is really the key to networking effectively. When you contact someone, you don’t simply want to tell the person that the only reason you are calling them is to add them to your networking list, and by the way, do they know of any good jobs?

This would irk pretty much anyone. They would feel used, simply a means to an end. When you contact the person, you should have something to talk about — refer to their writing if they have written anything, comment on it, ask questions about it, or ask advice. You might even suggest articles the person may be interested in reading. Talk about things that you may have in common. In other words, have a reason for calling the person.

2. Do some research

You cannot have a productive conversation like the one described above if you do not do some research before making contact. Check out the person’s Facebook page or his website. Find out what their interests are, his area of expertise. Look at what they have written.

This will make the conversation not only more productive but much more pleasant and natural as well.

3. Stay in touch

You won’t get much out of your network if the only time you contact people is when you want something. Part of the giving as much as you get principle is staying in touch with people in your network to show how you value their friendship, even when you are not looking for something in return.

Call just to say hi, to see how the person is doing or to tell the person about the interesting article you just read. Note things about their life that you can refer to later. Is their son graduating from college this year, did their daughter just get a new job, did they recently go on a fishing trip?. These are all things you can bring up when talking to the person.

4. Follow-up

If your contact gives you a lead on a job, make sure to follow up afterward. Let them know how things went, and thank them again for their help.

Networking is important, and Arrow Staffing has an extensive network of employers in the Inland Empire to help find a job for you. We work with you every step of the way to find a position that fits your talents and experience. Give Arrow a call today.

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