Life is Short, The World is Small & NETWORKING MATTERS
Today, studies have shown that up to 80% of jobs are
never advertised – they are filled by word of mouth.
So it’s who you know and who knows you that matters. You must develop relationships and connections to open up the world of opportunities to advance your career. There is nothing more critical to being successful than the relationships you have and create. The bond you make with another person, whether a quick connection over the same sports team or a week long short course is another opportunity for growth and learning. No matter how you met, each connection matters somewhere down the road.
You never know what tomorrow will bring but you sure as sh*t should be prepared.
Start with the basics: What is your career goal?
- Who do you know and who do you need to know to help you reach that goal?
- How much time are you giving yourself to reach your career goal? 2 years? 5 years?
- what can you do in that time frame to set yourself up for success? take a class? Invest in a business?
Build mutually beneficial relationships
- Ask open-ended questions to others about their work when appropriate.
- What are they working on?
- What are some current challenges?
- Is there an opportunity for you to connect them to a resource? This ends up creating strong relationships.
Find allies and champions
- A strong network supports and advocates for you.
- Don't lose sight of those who see potential in you. EMBRACE IT, learn from them and watch yourself grow from it.
Be strategic
- Be deliberate about what organizations and events you attend to help you connect with potential contacts. Do your homework people.
- Be mindful about who is in your network and the best way to connect with them.
- Are they more responsive via texting, email, or some other form of communication? Spend your time wisely by focusing on these relationships and nurturing them.
Articles re: networking that don't suck
RCA Networking Events
Find your RCA region here and check out the events happening in your area. Don't forget to become a member and use code Line2Lab19 for 10% off your membership*
*For new members only
