4 “BIG PICTURE” TIPS FOR IMPROVED NETWORKING

First, we presented “8 Networking Opportunities You Might Be Overlooking.”
Then we followed that with “9 Tips for Making Your Networking Efforts More Effective.”
Now we’re back with even more networking advice. This time, though, we’re going to take a step back and address networking from a broader perspective.
Combined with the other blog posts listed above, this will help cover the “who, what, where, when, how, and why” of networking. The more bases you can cover, the better able you’ll be to leverage your networking efforts and translate them into greater career success.
Below are four “big picture” tips for improved networking:
#1—Remember that networking is a continuous process.
This is one of the easiest things to forget and one of the most difficult tips upon which to act. This is especially the case if you have a job and/or you’re not particularly interested in looking for a new job. While it’s human nature to “slack off” in this area, this is not a good habit in regards to your career. You should always be working to some degree to increase your networking reach and develop deeper professional relationships.
#2—Identify and articulate your overall goals.
You might have goals for the individual networking events that you attend, but do you have an overall strategy? Perhaps you want a better job than the one you have right now? Maybe you just want a job, period. But what type of job? With what kind of company? It’s important to be as specific as possible about your goals, because that’s how you increase the chances that you’ll reach them.
#3—Exude confidence.
If you only remember one thing about confidence, remember this: confidence attracts people. It’s true in the dating world, and it’s also true in the world of employment. You want to make a good impression and you want to be memorable. One of the best ways to do this is by coming across as a confident person. You can display your confidence both during face-to-face networking encounters, as well as through virtual or social networking.
#4—Properly align your priorities.
What does this mean? It means that the #1 goal of networking is networking. You might be unemployed and looking for a job, but that doesn’t mean you should ask people for job leads the first time you interact with them. Even if you have a job and you’re looking for a new one, don’t push your agenda on other people. You want to attract them to you (see #3), not repel them. Make the act of networking your priority, and the rest will follow.