If you're like me, the thought of networking
may bring to mind attending large conferences or events,
where you meet complete strangers who
try to sell you their products, services, or offerings.
Or maybe you just picture yourself
at a job fair handing out copies of your resume
and hoping you'll get a callback.
Yes, this is one version of networking,
but it's definitely not the only way to effectively network.
I'm Sinéad.
And coming up in this video, we've
got seven strategies that can help you naturally build
and strengthen your network.
These tips are going to be fun and easy,
so you definitely don't want to miss out.
And if you're on the introverted side,
you'll want to stick around until the end, because we're
sharing some really great tips just for you.
All right, let's get to it.
So you might be thinking, do I really need to network?
In short, the answer is yes.
Employee referrals continue to be
employers' top source of hires, delivering more than 30%
of all hires overall in 2016 and 45% of internal hires.
So it's worth your time to start building connections.
Let's start by looking at the ways
that you can grow your network, even if in-person meetings
are less common.
Strategy number one.
Set a goal to invite one new colleague to meet,
whether virtually or in person, for a coffee or lunch
once a month.
Following this strategy means that you're
meeting 12 new people per year.
That's amazing.
Now, let's do some quick math to see what
the potential impact can be.
If you meet 12 new people a year and they each
had a network of 500 people, that
introduces you to a network of potentially 6,000 new contacts,
6,000 people that could potentially
assist you in your career, growth, and opportunities.
Did you catch me say 6,000?
Yes, and I'm sure some of those contacts
may be within your current workplace.
But it also opens up lots of other warm leads or people
you can now be introduced to if and when the time is right.
Strategy and number two.
Join a committee or professional organization.
Here you will have meetings and regular projects
with groups of people, people that are most likely working
in other teams.
This group can expand your network
beyond your regular scope of colleagues.
However, this typically requires you to take initiative.
So be brave, branch out, and meet new friends
with new perspectives along the way.
And here's a pro tip, if you are already
in a personal or professional organization
but have been participating only as a member,
it may be time to step up your efforts and be more involved,
or even take on a leadership role.
And dare to take it one step further by checking
in your area for events with host speakers or social anglers
that you might like.
It can be worth your time to aim to go to an event both virtual
or in person about once a month, just
to keep the momentum going for building and growing
your network.
All right, now before we move on to our next strategy,
be sure to give this video a big thumbs-up,
subscribe to our channel, and hit that notification bell
while you're at it so that you never miss out
on our weekly career tips.
Strategy number three.
Take a class to meet new people outside of your current friend
group.
Meeting new people can be hard, but it
becomes so much more enjoyable if you meet people
with similar interests.
It can be fun to explore hobbies like improv classes that
help you to be spontaneous and react on the fly
without judging yourself too much.
Sewing, which helps you to learn a new way to make
clothes, curtains, tablecloths.
And it may extend you to meeting other local artists and makers
and be more involved in your community.
Cooking, which can bring out new skills
to try food from around the world
and entertain your friends.
Gaming.
That allows you to have fun while shifting your focus.
Some games could include outdoor sports,
while others could be more analytical or social.
Gaming brings people together in a fun way,
while possibly satisfying your competitive side.
Meeting people in situations that you find enjoyable
can take the pressure off of feeling like you're networking.
In fact, it just feels like you're making friends.
Establishing a connection on a personal level
helps to build a strong foundation
so that if and one you start to look for new opportunities,
you have someone that could vouch
for you and for your character.
Now, we have a great story on networking, which you
can check out right up here.
But just know that even when you don't even realize it,
you are always networking.
And it doesn't have to feel icky.
It can be fun.
All right, let's move on to strategy number four,
meet your neighbors.
I am totally guilty of not knowing my neighbors.
So maybe I'll go say hi after this video.
But a small hello does make such a big difference.
You could try joining a neighborhood book club,
organizing a small block party, or if you own a home,
try becoming a part of your Homeowner's Association
or your HOA.
You're bound to meet neighbors who
potentially have opportunities within their professional
network.
The consistency of these types of efforts
usually leads to several new connections and friendships.
It can be harder to make friends as you get older,
so investing in people over time tends
to give you quality over quantity connections.
And it's possible that many of the new people you meet
could lead you to your next job.
Ideally, you want to expose yourself
to new experiences that interest you
so that you are having fun, challenging yourself,
and meeting new people.
Win-win-win.
This should feel good, not disingenuous or inauthentic.
So what about networking with your current connections?
Instead of being overwhelmed by how many networking events
that you are supposed to attend or professional conferences,
yeah, consider ways you could strengthen your connections
rather than forcing them.
Let's look at some genuine ways that you
can reach out to people that you already know.
This includes your friends, family, distant relatives,
coaches, mentors, advisors, community leaders, and more.
Oh yeah, that is a lot of people.
Our network is always larger than we think.
Try reaching out to your connections
based on your comfort level and what you feel
best matches your career goals.
The idea here is to ask questions, build stronger
connections, and work on keeping in touch versus only reaching
out when you need something.
That is why these next three strategies are built
around your existing network.
Strategy number five, establish a check-in.
Give them a call, a video call, set up a meeting,
send a text to simply thank them for the role
that they played in your life.
Ask them how things are going.
If they taught you something that still resonates
with you today, this could be a great thing to share with them.
And depending upon how comfortable you are,
a little FaceTime can do you some good.
So try reaching out via video messenger,
like a FaceTime or a Zoom call, to get a read for how
the conversation is going.
On the phone, we can hear the tone of voice.
But we can't see body language or make eye contact.
Plus, this is great practice for other formal situations
like virtual interviews.
Strategy number six, drop a message in their inbox.
If it's been some time since you spoke,
begin by sending an email or social direct message.
In this message, you can check in
to see how life is going for them
and give them an update on yours, too.
Now if you've lost touch over the years,
this could be a great opportunity
to let them know what you've been up to.
It can also be a great opportunity
to share how their guidance has helped you along your path.
So a simple message could be, hi, Katie.
It's been a while since we last spoke.
This last year has flown by.
Lately, I've been working as a software engineer
at an amazing HR tech company.
Because of the guidance you provided,
I've been able to act as an informal liaison
between the product and customer support teams.
I'd love to catch up to see how this year has been for you.
Would you have some time next week for a 30-minute call?
If you're worried about reaching out directly
to someone that about a role, don't stress about it.
It can be beneficial for them to refer you
for a position within their company.
Many companies offer referral bonuses
which are monetary incentives to employees,
that recommend someone for an open role that ultimately leads
to a hire.
So if you're reaching out to a contact about an actual role,
they may be willing to refer you because they
would gain from your hire, too.
Now if you really want to get someone's attention, strategy
number seven, send a handwritten note.
Now, it may seem really old school.
Yes.
But if you have someone's home address,
it might be nice to mail a postcard,
especially if you're living in a new city.
Or write them a letter with a thinking of you
and/or thank you message.
Now, you can also send a gift for birthdays or special events
in their life.
Most of us don't get personal mail anymore,
so sending something tangible to open
could be a really nice way to stand out.
Plus, who doesn't love receiving mail that isn't a bill?
Connections should be mutually beneficial and genuine.
So expressing Thanks or an interest in catching up
shows that this outreach isn't just self-serving.
Now, all of these strategies can help build and strengthen
your network.
But what if you're more on the introverted side?
If you feel hesitant reaching out to people unprompted,
we have some tips for you.
Here's our bonus tip.
Consider the groups that you're already participating in.
Where can you make an effort to get
to know her more one-on-one?
If you've always wanted to be part of a group
but haven't found one in your area,
like a biography book club, for example, why not start one?
This helps you demonstrate your leadership skills, event
planning, and can help others to make connections as well.
Once you start a inviting people that you know,
they will also invite some people that they know,
which equals new contacts for you.
If you're wondering what to say to people that are new,
you may like our video about 10 Tips
to Help you Network Like a Pro.
Now if you feel like it's a struggle for you
and it's really hard to reach out and invite someone
new to meet for coffee, again, just
revisit what you may already be involved in.
And see if there's a way to level up versus
starting from scratch.
All right, let's quickly recap the strategies
for growing your network effortlessly.
Set a goal to invite one new colleague to meet.
Join a committee or a professional organization.
Take a class to meet new people outside of your current friend
group.
Meet your neighbors.
Establish a check-in.
Drop a message in their inbox.
Send a handwritten note.
And our bonus tip, consider the groups
that you're already participating in.
If you found this video helpful, please hit
that Like button down below.
And of course, be sure to subscribe
to our channel for weekly career tips.
And if you end up meeting new people
and want to revisit how to build those trustworthy connections,
you can check out our playlist or our video
on building relationships in the workplace.
I'm Sinéad.
Thank you all so much for watching.
And I'll see you next time.
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