Ep 15 - How to Network in 5 Easy Steps

In today’s episode, we’ll continue in our 3-part series on networking and dive into how to get out there and network in 5 easy steps. 

 
Find the full show notes for this episode at RecoveringCorpoholics.com/15.

As a recap from last week, episode 14, we talked what is networking, how to get clear on your networking goals and how to make networking fun and easy.

If there was anything that I wanted you to get out of last week’s episode, were these 2 things:

Networking is a 2-way street where everyone, had the ability to give something and everyone has the ability to learn and gain something. And two, Setting a networking goal saves you hours of your time of going to events or doing activities that won’t serve your purpose and therefore, you’ll be more strategic and much more likely to reach your goal. 

 So now that we have that out covered and are feeling good about networking, let’s talk about execution, aka How are we going to go out there and network!  

According to LinkedIn, almost 80% of people agree that that networking is valuable to their career, however, 50% of people say they don’t have time for it. 

So how can you make networking something easy to do that you can actually incorporate into your schedule? Listen in as I talk now about 5 steps that will make networking something easy to do. 

And I want to start off by saying that I titled this episode how to network in 5 easy steps because once you do this work, networking will be easy to do. Just like making a plan, all you need to do is put it in motion!

 So let’s get started.

 

Pre-work: Drill down your goal into something specific

So, I mentioned last week in episode 14 that you need to have an overall networking goal. Before we get to networking, I want to reviewing your main networking goal quickly as I want to ensure it’s something really specific - if you haven’t already. 

For example, you may be looking for a new job. That’s great but not helpful to someone. They need to know what exactly you’re looking for so they can really understand how they can help you.

It’s not a new job, it’s a social media marketing job in the tech world somewhere in NY, NY. 

And if you’re not sure what you want but know the field, say you love marketing but not sure what job you want, make your goal – to learn all about the different career options in marketing that you can do remotely, etc. 

This makes your objective when reaching out super clear. Make sure that you have your main goal specific and clear before moving on. 

 

Step 1: Determine your Audience

OK so now that you have your main goal specific, it’s time to get to networking!

The first thing I want you to think about is who you want to connect with. Your target group are going to the people who can best support your overall networking goal. 

You want to connect with people who are going to help you succeed and that you can help them succeed. 

So do this, I want you to make a list of everyone you want to build a relationship with that’s going to support your goal. 

Start with close contacts/acquaintances as this is going to be the easiest to start with. They already may know of you or know your network and are more likely to respond.  Even make a note of who could refer you to those people for a warm introduction. 

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Find the Full Show Notes Here.