Get Out There! Spring Time, Networking Time

By Roger Berry, Senior Program Director at Berry Coaching + Consulting

To many of us spring time symbolizes the arrival of new beginnings, warmer weather, and the resurrection of things that lie dormant in the colder months. I personally look forward to spending more time outside and going for a run around the neighborhood.

Then I realized that spring is also a great opportunity to reach out to people and network, taking advantage of the fact that everyone seems to be in a better mood to chat over a cup of freshly brewed coffee. Although it sounds simple, networking takes a bit of effort like any other craft.

In the Washington D.C. area, networking is one of those words that constantly comes up in conversation with our clients. Often times, I get a feeling that reaching out and talking to people may feel for some like pulling teeth. 

I understand that walking into a room filled with people you don’t know and becoming a salesperson of your career ambitions can be nerve-wracking, particularly for introverts. Why is networking so important to the development of our careers? Networking is a great way to learn and share knowledge about the industry you are interested in with like-minded professionals.

There’s a timeless saying that it’s not what you know, but who you know. There is a staggering 85% chance that you will be hired for your next job through someone you already know. No wonder that simply submitting resumes and waiting to hear from the hiring manager, even if we are 100% qualified for a job opening, can feel like a fool’s errand.

 Here are a few things to keep in mind to network with confidence:

1. Do your research: find networking events on websites like LinkedIn or Meetup, and make sure it’s an industry aligned with your interests. You can also use the old-fashioned method of asking people you already know. This method helped me find a particular networking event in my field that wasn’t posted anywhere on the internet.

2. When you arrive, study the room: if you know someone at the event, connect with them to make yourself at ease. If you don’t know anyone, introduce yourself to the event organizers, they are almost always willing to chat with you and introduce you to other attendees. 

3. Practice your active listening skills: people love to talk about themselves when given the chance. You’d be surprised at how listening can increase the quality of our conversations when we attentively listen to what others have to say.

4. Work on your personal statement: you can talk to anyone very easily once you have written out and practiced (in front of a mirror, if necessary!) your skills, experience and career goals. Don’t be afraid to share what you are passionate about and be genuine.

5. Ask questions: once you have struck up a conversation with someone, I’ve found that asking thoughtful questions will help keep the conversation going. You will start to notice their body language almost immediately. If they aren’t making eye contact and visibly interested, politely end the conversation and move on. Do NOT take it personally.

6. Don’t forget to follow up: chances are you will chat with a good number of people, but resist the urge to ask everyone for their business card. Be intentional and ask how to stay in touch with those you had a genuine conversation with, then follow up within a day or two.

When we first walk into the room it can feel like our heart is beating out of our chest and our hands get clammy. However, with a little bit of practice we can get to enjoy our networking experience, find new career opportunities, create relationships, and gain fresh insights on your industry. Happy networking!