Networking Advice & Tips

Networking Effectively
By Chaz Kyser

Some people cringe when they hear the word “networking,” especially those just starting out in their careers. The idea of “meeting and greeting” strangers intimidates them, and seeking out people who can possibly help them advance professionally brings out the fear of rejection. Yet, the old adage, “It’s not what you know, but who you know,” could not be truer for those just starting out in their careers.

Building up a network of people that will help you grow and thrive is a task you’ll be both consciously and unconsciously doing for the rest of your life. You have to always be on the lookout for people in both high and low places that can be added to your network. There are individuals out there who can help you land your dream job, turn you on to professions you never thought twice about, give you an idea to bring in truckloads of dough, or simply change your life just by being supportive — and you haven’t even met them yet. And you won’t, if you don’t make networking an ongoing task. There are various ways you can build your network: Through colleagues and business associates; through memberships in professional and civic organizations; through your relatives, friends, and their peers; through religious involvement; through social functions and community events; through volunteering; and through conferences for people in your profession.

Most of the networking you’ll do will take place informally—with people you’ll meet without even trying. But there will likely be a host of events organized for the sole purpose of networking that you will attend. The following are networking tips for you to utilize during these events.

Before the Function:

• Review your purpose for attending the function. Are you coming to meet a specific person, get some contacts in your profession, or just learn more about the hosts of the function?

• Plan to arrive on time for the function. If you’re attending a meeting that offers networking before it starts, arrive early enough to participate in the networking portion of the meeting.

• Create a 20-30 second introduction about yourself. Example: “Hi! I’m Shiloh Davis. I’ll be graduating from Langston University in May with a degree in accounting. Right now I’m searching for an entry-level position in the accounting field, preferably on the West Coast.”

• Brainstorm a couple of questions that could help you get a conversation started. Have more than enough professional looking business cards with you, and make sure you have easy access to them.

• Make sure you are dressed appropriately. Professional networking events normally call for business casual attire.
  At the Function:

• Greet people you know so you can be introduced to others.

• Introduce yourself to the host of the event. Request introductions to people whom the host recommends you meet.

• Take the initiative to introduce yourself to other people, especially people who may have seen you once or twice but were never introduced to you.

• Introduce others to people you’ve just met.

• Exchange cards with the people you meet.

After the Function:

• Write a note to yourself on the back of the business cards you’re given—something that will help jog your memory about people when you look at their cards again. Also include the date and name of the function.

• Contact those individuals who interested you, seeing how you may be able to help each other in some endeavor.

• Think about how you could have networked better. Did you miss out on an opportunity to meet someone because you were scared or didn’t know how to break into a conversation? Did you neglect to tell people something important about you and your line of work? You did bring enough business cards, didn’t you?

Becoming a networking pro may take a little time, but after enough of these events you’ll be able to work a room of professionals like you worked a room full of your college peers at the parties you miss. The only difference is that working the room now could mean working your way up in your professional career.

Chaz Kyser is the author of “Embracing the Real World: The Black Woman’s Guide to Life After College” ($14.99, Seshet Press). Purchase the book online at www.embracingtherealworld.com. Send comments about this article to column@embracingtherealworld.com.