Networking time! This is an important skill to keep fresh (not just when you need a new job). Networking grows your number of connections. By growing your base, you’ll have more unexpected opportunities that come your way! An added bonus is that I’ve made a bunch of new friends!
One way I love to network is through a local Young Professionals group. They have many events a month ranging from happy hours, and professional development, to hosting speakers. I’ve met many people by attending different types of events. While it is easy to show up to an event and make small talk, you need to deepen these connections. To grow these relationships and ultimately friendships, I joined a committee. Since I have a focus on marketing, I joined the social media committee. Through joining the committee, I’ve been able to hone skills in marketing through their social media platform and analytics while gaining the benefit of deepening relationships with a handful of people. We meet monthly and over time I’ve built a strong group of marketers if I were to ever need to call on my network. It’s smart to keep connections in your field if ever the time should come to request some help, feedback, or advice. They have even become a support group where we can talk about the different challenges that we face at work.
The main benefit of becoming more active with a professional group is to KNOW more people at your event! This can alleviate any nerves when I show up to a big event by myself. I hate those jitters that I get when I first enter a room and I’m not sure what to expect. Now, I usually can spot someone from my committee to start that first conversation. I know that I am relieved to see a welcoming face when we enter a crowded room. From here, it is much easier to start conversations with new people. Whether they introduce you to someone they are speaking with or you can join a new conversation nearby. We all get nervous in big groups where the goal is to meet new people. Try some of these tactics to feel more comfortable at your next event.
