And here I go again with more networking tips. I think networking is the most important thing when it comes to your professional career. Getting a job is really all about who you know. It’s possible to get a job based off your experiences, but honestly, its more about who you know. Use networking to meet more people. Once you know a few people, they will introduce you to other people who might be interested in hiring. You can’t just sit on the couch and wait for something to magically appear. You have to try. So get up, put on your professional clothes and network. Meet people out there in your field of interest. PR Daily posted an article called Networking is like dating: 6 ways to succeed in both arenas. Here are few networking and dating tips:
- Don’t get drunk. It’s a networking event. Come on people. You are trying to be professional. Have one drink to relax a little and then you will be good to go. You also don’t want to get drunk on a first date. You don’t want to make a bad impression the first date.
- Don’t talk about yourself – or your career – the entire time. When networking, at a happy hour especially, it is much more relaxed. You don’t have to talk about work the entire time. You also don’t have to talk yourself up either. Talk about who you are and then enjoy conversation and find out what you have in common with the other person. This is a good tip in networking and relationships.
- Make sure you let them know what you can do for them. If you are looking for a job, let them know your skills. Tell them what a good asset you would make to their company. Or if you are just looking for experience, work for free.
- Listen. Everyone has something important to say. Simple as that.
- Always say, “thank you.” This is very important. Thank them for their time. They took time to meet you so thank them.
Use these tips for your professional life and your personal dating life. According to Samantha Hosenkamp from PR Daily these tips work. She also suggests to compile all the business cards you gathered and send thank you e-mails to everyone. That’s a good way to make yourself remembered. If you keep in contact with them, they will remember you, and you just might get a “second date”.
April 8, 2013 at 2:39 am
I love this connection between networking and dating, it’s funny how similar they are. With the job and internship fair coming up on Thursday, this is great advice. Although I doubt they will be serving alcohol in the RCC! I agree, it is important to try and relax. We get so worked up about talking to these people but it is just conversation. Great post!
April 12, 2013 at 4:18 pm
Thanks Summer! It is funny that they are very similar. Yes, I agree. These tips are helpful for any sort of job fair or happy hour. You just have to relax and be yourself. It is easy to get nervous and make a fool of yourself, but you just need to realize that it is somewhat awkward for those employers as well so be calm and be yourself. Thanks for reading!