Do you know how to network? It is very important to know how to manage your contacts to get a job or even improve your current professional condition, one way or another we all work in a network, but we do it spontaneously and casually, that’s why we often do it. not have the desired effect.
To establish a network correctly, it is important to create a consistent and functional contact management model. It is not complex; it actually involves common sense knowledge, many organizational skills and strategic thinking.
- We have not yet reached a point where meritocracy is really a reality.
- Many of the positions and opportunities that flow are filled with word of mouth.
- You can access these opportunities through networking.
- So this activity is so important.
- Here are six strategies that will help you be more effective in this area.
“Doing business without marketing is like winking at a girl in the dark. You know what you’re doing, but no one else knows. -Stwart H. Britt-
To establish a network of contacts correctly, you must be very clear about your professional goals, from there you can define your strategy, it is about being as precise and precise as possible in setting your goals.
Avoid generalities. Your goal is not simply to get a job or evolve in your profession, put a last name in those names. For example, don’t just say “I want to get a job. “Describe the main characteristics of the work you want to perform. This will make the image much clearer.
For both your professional performance and your networking, it is important to create and implement a personal brand, this can result in a presentation of yourself, emphasizing your particularities What sets you apart from others?
The question is: how do you want to be perceived in your professional environment ?, obviously we all want to be considered the best, but we have to go a little further and detail what makes us especially strong in some respects. should be reflected in all the elements of the image that we are going to use.
It is best to have a personal and professional profile on your social networks, your professional profile must be aligned with your personal brand and should enhance it, start with the photo. Don’t use poor quality or very informal photos with your business contacts, let them see the side you want them to see.
It is advisable to have personal cards with your photo and basic data, always carry them with you and deliver them whenever you can, in addition it is convenient to have an impeccable and very professional cv, keep it updated with your data on platforms like LinkedIn and others.
It is important to gather as many professional contacts as possible, depending on the objectives you have in mind, no contact is bad, you never know what tomorrow will be and what could be a valuable help, if you are a lawyer tries to connect with all the lawyers you contact.
It is also very important to look for groups related to your profession, there are many groups or forums that bring together people of the same specialty, there are also many private groups that can be very positive to join, link with all of them. They are usually spaces where you can get important information that is not found anywhere else.
From time to time, send a message to contacts you consider strategic. Try not to be intrusive or insistent. Simply send a short greeting, share content or ask a specific question, this will keep your contacts’ attention. Don’t forget to congratulate them every time they achieve professional success.
Also, don’t miss a week without participating in any of the groups, forums, or meetings you’ve attended, let them know you’re here. Participation acts as an awakening for others and strengthens your personal brand.
You may want to check yourself and your network regularly, adjust the dark spots of your personal brand, update and improve what can be improved in your profile, change the design of your personal cards, etc. This creates an image of professionalism.
In addition, look for new contacts, new groups, new tools of the sector that interests you, etc. Be present in congresses, seminars and other events that take place as part of your profession, you never know where to find space and, in addition, these events also provide information and knowledge.
Network work is always worth it. Don’t expect your contacts to pay off immediately, even if you do, the important thing is that you create a network around you and this opens the way to new exchanges.