Networking as an Employee?

Congratulations!  You’ve found a job!

It was hard work to search for a job, network, complete applications, send out resumes and get through the interview process.  

You have to learn how to do your job and do it well.  You have to adapt to the culture of your company.  This may be your first “real” job and you have to adjust to working full-time.  

Who has time to network?

You must.

Networking will set you apart from your peers.  It will give you the edge in a down market.  It will give you options in a recession.

Networking is the key not only to finding a job, but finding success and fulfillment in your career.  

If you are no longer looking for a job, where will you network?

Look to the people you admire in your field, inside and outside of your company.  To which professional organizations do they belong?

Ask your manager or mentor to help you formulate a networking plan.  This is especially important if you are in an industry that expects you to regularly bring in clients.

Sample a few organizations before you commit your time.

When you commit your time, truly commit yourself.  Join committees.  Hold a leadership position.  Don’t just join an organization, serve an organization.  It is a great way to get to know your fellow members and begin to establish your professional reputation.

As a professional, where do you find your networking time is best spent?

The All-Important Email Update

Remember those networking contacts you have that gave you some great advice?  

Perhaps, they introduced you to someone in their network.  Or maybe they suggested that you attend a particular meeting. 

Send your contacts an email updating him or her on your progress since you last spoke.  Did you get that interview?  Did you meet with that client? Did you email the contact they suggested?  

If they extended advice or a contact to you, they certainly would like to know the steps that you have taken since you last spoke.  If you take their advice and follow up, they will continue to offer you advice and introductions.

When following up with your networking contacts, be open to their suggestions.  You never know what will get your foot in the door or your resume on a desk.   

Untapped Networking Potential: With Whom Who Have You Failed to Network?

At this very moment, you have untapped contacts to add to your network.

You don’t have to put on a suit, or attend an event to connect with these elusive contacts.

Make a list of your family, friends, classmates and colleagues.  Review your list.  Who have you forgotten?  

Have you included your family’s family? For example, have you included your sister’s in-laws or your cousin’s cousins.

Have you included each person’s spouse? It’s far better to send an individual email to each person, than to send one email to a couple.  They have individual careers and contacts that may be useful for you.  Send each person an individual email and they will each look to their network to see to whom they may be able to introduce you.

Have you reached out to your classmates from high school, college and graduate school?  Although you have embarked on different educational paths and careers, you may have contacts and connections that could benefit one another.

You are not the only person seeking to expand his or her network.  Your untapped contacts will be glad to hear from you and will be on the lookout for mutually beneficial opportunities.  

You may just inspire someone else to improve their networking and reach out to their untapped connections.