How to network: the benefits and how to nail it
Karmjit shares her thoughts and reflections on how to approach networking, the benefits of it and how to nail it!
What image comes to mind when you think of “networking”? Barely drinkable wine, an inadequately air-conditioned conference room, looking around in a crowd lacking diversity for someone approachable to talk to? Giving up after 5 minutes, where your goal to speak to 5 new people has shifted to securing enough canapés to constitute your evening meal?
But networking isn’t about “schmoozing” and building your stack of business cards for the sake of it – it’s about building a network of people you respect and trust, who can help build your confidence and advance or support your career goals. And you can shape your own version of networking.
A strong professional network can often be vital for women, with many who feel lacking in this area experiencing fewer to job opportunities – and it does indeed appear to impact women more than men. Data released by LinkedIn (March 2020) reported that women in the UK are 27% less likely than men to have a strong network.
Here's our guide to a more modern, personalised approach to networking that we hope will expand your support network, open you up to new opportunities and help you to help other women:
Make it meaningful
We don’t have the time nor the inclination to mindlessly send intro messages and hand out business cards to a room full of people who won’t necessarily be good additions to your network. When it comes to a professional network, don’t just think about colleagues in your sector – your family, friends, people you know in different industries, book clubs, park run folks. They’re all part of your support and social network. These people come from different backgrounds, with different experiences and may be ideal at times to offer an introduction to someone, check over your CV or even offer you a job. Be more open minded about who you allow into your network – start with some common ground or interest, which doesn’t need to be career focused, and take it from there.
Who do you want to connect with and why?
Setting some objectives around networking, especially if you’re not feeling that confident about it can help you focus on what you really want to get out of it and make it valuable. Do you want new contacts for an industry you want to move into, for example, or access to a more senior network to build up to a promotion or new role? Make a list of, say, 10 people you would like to connect with, why, what you would want from adding them to your network, but also what you can offer. This will also help identify the best way to approach them.
Embrace online networking
Even following the Covid pandemic, more and more networking and communication will take place online – and it can often give you access to a much wider network than focusing on IRL events. Try to embrace social media, and don’t underestimate the impact of a little (meaningful) flattery. If you like what someone has written or tweeted, retweet them or post about it on Twitter, LinkedIn, Instagram, tagging them with a personal comment. We’ve personally been overwhelmed by the number of amazing women who have just replied to a direct message from us on Twitter or Instagram.
If you do go to an in-person event, share a positive message about it on social media, or contact the organiser personally, thanking them and telling them what you got out of it.
While we may get an overwhelming number of emails at times, they do get read, so don’t be afraid to email a potential contact Whether it’s Twitter or Outlook, if you get the approach right, most people are happy to speak to you. This leads us on to…
Make it personal
It’s worth taking some time to think about what defines you. When you make a connection, it’s usually with the person, not the job title. Don’t just limit it to your work traits, have a think about what defines you outside of work, your morals and passions. This will help to identify common ground and often a conversation with someone about running, gardening, feminism, can begin to forge a more meaningful connection. Equally, no one has time to read an abridged version of your memoir and decipher why you’re getting in touch. Make it clear you’ve done your research, and that you’ve put some thought into why you’re getting in touch with them. Here are some key things you might want to include in an opener:
a short sentence outlining who you are
explain why you’re getting in touch
explain why them – people want to be flattered and feel that they’ve been approached personally
ask your question – be clear on what you want from them
always sign off with a kind and respectful message, thanking them for considering your question
Remember it’s a two-way street
You’re not going to get very far forging long-lasting relationships if you only approach them thinking about what you can get out of it. Always think about what you can bring to the table too. Could you offer advice on an area of expertise? Could you start your own club/network on something you’re interested in? Do you know someone who could do with help on their CV? Have you seen a job that someone might be interested in that you could pass on? These interactions may well open up opportunities for you too, and, as part of it, you will have supported someone who may have really valued your advice or expertise.
Finally, remember there are some fantastic women’s networks already out there, so don’t be afraid to get started by joining in – you won’t regret it!
