Rachel Solar-Tuttle, Author of Table Talk, says that because networking is collaboration, every time you ask for something or meet with a potential contact you should think about how you can help her in return. Listen to your contacts carefully so that you can glean insights about how you might assist them. Remember that networking is like karma—what goes around comes around.
Step Three: Contact the person.
When approaching a potential contact, be friendly, respectful, and brief. E-mail usually achieves better results than a phone call, but if you are attending a networking event, an in-person conversation is often the best option of all. No matter how you make contact, always keep in mind that the person is doing you a favor. If he’s in the middle of something, don’t interrupt, and be conscious of his time commitments. When you sit down with your contact one-on-one, offer to pay any expenses associated with the meeting, and remember to send him a thank you note afterward.
Step Four: Follow up with your contact regularly.
After a successful first networking meeting, it’s your responsibility to keep the lines of communication open. Did your contact give you any advice or suggest a course of action? If so, touch base every so often to remind her who you are and keep her apprised of your progress. Keep on top of her career moves and make sure she stays informed of yours. Invite her to get together again, and during the holiday season, send her a card with a nice note.
Even the most natural networking interactions can be challenging if you’re shy. You might not like asking people for anything, whether it’s advice about a field or a piece of gum. I overcome my anxiety by talking to potential contacts about the aspects of my career I feel most strongly about. Should a networking opportunity present itself during an impromptu conversation, I make a conscious effort to be myself and stick to subjects I know well. When making a networking call, I jot down a few notes so that I won’t forget what I want to say. I also set aside time in the morning when my energy level is highest and stand up during the call so that my voice comes across professionally. After several years of practice, I’m still nervous talking to people I don’t know. However, every time I do it and experience a positive outcome, I gain a little more confidence. I promise that you will too!
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