Working hard in your job will not set you up for the amazing career you have planned. You’ll need to do more. You’ll need to build yourself a strong career network.
Whatever you lack in talent, you’re able to make up in enthusiasm, and business networking is the best way to showcase such enthusiasm by demonstrating your passion for your industry.
However, this will only be productive once you have an idea of what you want to achieve in the next five years. What is your ideal position in your industry? And who do you want to work with when you’ve achieved this?
Keep this in mind as you follow these steps to establishing a strong network.
1. Start with an internal network
Don’t limit yourself within your own organisation to knowing only who is in your team or those in your age group. Make sure you research the company’s organisational chart and connect with key people within the organisation.
It may be having a coffee, lunch or some other form of a ‘get-to-know-you’. Just make sure these networks are for your career, not merely social. You’re not in business to make friends with your peers.
2. Move on to your industry network
Find out all the key players in your current industry and connect with them. Attend the right events and learn as much about other people in this industry as you can.
Subscribe to the relevant publications and if possible start contributing your expertise to these online and offline media outlets.
People in the know need to know who you are and what you can do for them (and at that level, they’re not going to seek you out themselves. You’ve got to tell them.)
3. And on to cross industry networks
This is where you can make the biggest impact to your career. People often avoid mixing outside their industry – Big. Mistake. Huge. Cross-pollination of connections and contacts is where opportunities are found!
Is there an industry you have always wanted to know about or you’re passionate about?
You may be a lawyer although passionate about sport – then start attending sporting related business events and build your networks. You never know, that may lead to a career change remembering that on average Australian’s change careers SEVEN TIMES during their lifetime.
4. Apply the right tools
Now the best way to build up the above networks is to connect both online and offline opportunities. Don’t stick to one avenue only, make sure you think about:
• LinkedIn
• Twitter
• Facebook
• Events
• Meetings