{"id":19480,"date":"2022-04-07T20:40:54","date_gmt":"2022-04-07T20:40:54","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.openbusinesscouncil.org\/?p=19480"},"modified":"2022-04-07T20:40:54","modified_gmt":"2022-04-07T20:40:54","slug":"networking-101-how-to-get-the-most-from-your-network","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.footballthink.com\/networking-101-how-to-get-the-most-from-your-network\/","title":{"rendered":"Networking 101: How to Get the Most from Your Network"},"content":{"rendered":"<figure id=\"attachment_19482\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-19482\" style=\"width: 1050px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"wp-image-19482 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/www.openbusinesscouncil.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/04\/1_Na0VjU4pcX12lk_L3-oxw.jpeg\" alt=\"Networking 101: How to Get the Most from Your Network\" width=\"1050\" height=\"700\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.footballthink.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/04\/1_Na0VjU4pcX12lk_L3-oxw.jpeg 1050w, https:\/\/www.footballthink.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/04\/1_Na0VjU4pcX12lk_L3-oxw-300x200.jpeg 300w, https:\/\/www.footballthink.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/04\/1_Na0VjU4pcX12lk_L3-oxw-1024x683.jpeg 1024w, https:\/\/www.footballthink.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/04\/1_Na0VjU4pcX12lk_L3-oxw-768x512.jpeg 768w, https:\/\/www.footballthink.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/04\/1_Na0VjU4pcX12lk_L3-oxw-287x190.jpeg 287w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1050px) 100vw, 1050px\" \/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-19482\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Networking 101: How to Get the Most from Your Network<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>How big is your social network? No, we\u2019re not talking about how many Facebook or Instagram followers you have. We\u2019re talking about <em>networking &#8211;<\/em> interacting with other people to develop professional contacts.<\/p>\n<p>Networking has long been important in the business world. When you know the right people, it can literally open doors. It can help you access information. It can get your <a href=\"https:\/\/www.resumecoach.com\/resume-builder\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">resume<\/a> into the right hands and help you land the job you want.<\/p>\n<p>Below, we\u2019ll discuss several reasons why <a href=\"https:\/\/www.forbes.com\/sites\/biancamillercole\/2019\/03\/20\/why-networking-should-be-at-the-core-of-your-career\/?sh=462ee89b1300\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">networking is essential for your career<\/a>. We\u2019ll also outline techniques that can help your first (or next) networking opportunity go more smoothly.<\/p>\n<h2>Why Networking Is Vital<\/h2>\n<p>Forbes highlights the following benefits of networking.<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Exchange of ideas<\/strong>. \u201cSuccess in a career is largely attributed to the pool of information or ideas you have garnered over the past.\u201d Meeting new people and creating your network is like walking into a library full of reference materials. Many people are flattered when you ask for their professional opinion. As such, they will likely be willing to help you find the information you need. \u201cEven a simple interaction with one person can transform a year-long research work and result in a breakthrough.\u201d<\/li>\n<li><strong>You\u2019ll get noticed.<\/strong> Imagine you spent a lifetime doing amazing things but no one ever knew about it. How sad! But when you network, people will get to know you and your abilities. The result? Someone may introduce you to your next big client or recommend you to your next employer.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Create new opportunities.<\/strong> \u201cBusiness and career-minded individuals who have networked over time have been able to expand with minimal effort because of the avenue of newer opportunities opened to them through networking.\u201d Networking also acts as a safety net. If you need to find a new job, for example, someone in your network might know just where to look.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Get support.<\/strong> We all face challenges in our careers. When our networks include \u201chigh profile individuals,\u201d they may be able to help us surmount those hurdles \u201cby either giving you advice or linking you to the right financial support.\u201d<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2>How to Improve Your Networking Skills<\/h2>\n<p>There are simple things you can do to <a href=\"https:\/\/bestlifeonline.com\/easy-ways-to-be-more-charming\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">turn on the charm<\/a> and ace your next networking event.<\/p>\n<h3>Make Eye Contact<\/h3>\n<p>Maintaining eye contact conveys the ideas \u201cI\u2019m listening,\u201d and \u201cI care about what you have to say.\u201d If you find eye contact difficult, focus on the colors in the other person\u2019s eyes.<\/p>\n<h3>Learn Names<\/h3>\n<p>Many people have difficulty remembering names, but doing so can go a long way to building a lasting relationship with a contact. People feel valued when you call them by name.<\/p>\n<p>When you meet someone, repeat their name back to them. Consider using memory aids, such as rhyming. If possible, write the name down.<\/p>\n<h3>Listen Actively<\/h3>\n<p>Looking across the room or interjecting comments while the other person is talking can say, \u201cI don\u2019t care about this conversation,\u201d or \u201cI\u2019m ready to end this conversation.\u201d Instead, maintain eye contact as mentioned above. Repeat back key points or ask questions where appropriate. Even nonverbal signals like \u201cMmm-hmm\u201d can indicate that you are still listening.<\/p>\n<h3>Pay Attention to Body Language<\/h3>\n<p>Use body language that indicates you are approachable and open to conversation. Avoid crossing your arms or putting your hands on your hips, and remember to smile. Consider mirroring the other person\u2019s body language &#8211; lean in the same way, put your hand in your pocket, etc. We often do this naturally, and it tends to make conversation partners feel more comfortable. You can also \u201ctest\u201d how the conversation is going by subtly shifting your posture. If the other person soon moves in the same way, they are very engaged in the conversation!<\/p>\n<h3>Focus on the Other Person<\/h3>\n<p>We all like to talk about ourselves, and we may be tempted to interrupt the other person to share our own stories or opinions. Resist, and let them finish. Ask questions about them and their work. Don\u2019t let the conversation remain focused on yourself for too long.<\/p>\n<h2>Job Fairs: Networking in Miniature<\/h2>\n<p>For many, job fairs or career fairs are a first introduction to professional networking events. These events are designed to help job seekers get to know employers who are currently hiring.<\/p>\n<p>All of the above tips can be applied during these events. Additionally, you should carry business cards or printed copies of your resume with you. Print your resume on high-quality resume paper to make a good first impression. Keep your documents in a folder, only making them visible after you\u2019ve established a rapport with a potential employer.<\/p>\n<p>You can also pick up contact cards for businesses in your industry. Write down peoples\u2019 names and what you discussed with them. Look them up on <a href=\"https:\/\/www.linkedin.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">LinkedIn<\/a> or <a href=\"https:\/\/www.instagram.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Instagram<\/a>. Reach out to them with questions as needed. This is the start of your social network.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>How big is your social network? No, we\u2019re not talking about how many Facebook or Instagram followers you have. We\u2019re talking about networking &#8211; interacting with other people to develop professional contacts. Networking has long been important in the business world. When you know the right people, it can literally open doors. It can help [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":7,"featured_media":19482,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_mo_disable_npp":""},"categories":[3585],"tags":[9634,5763],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO Premium plugin v18.1 (Yoast SEO v19.7.2) - https:\/\/yoast.com\/wordpress\/plugins\/seo\/ -->\n<title>Networking 101: How to Get the Most from Your Network - OpenBusinessCouncil Directory<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"We\u2019re talking about networking - interacting with other people to develop professional contacts.\" \/>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/www.footballthink.com\/networking-101-how-to-get-the-most-from-your-network\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_US\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"Networking 101: How to Get the Most from Your Network\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:description\" content=\"We\u2019re talking about networking - interacting with other people to develop professional contacts.\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:url\" content=\"https:\/\/www.footballthink.com\/networking-101-how-to-get-the-most-from-your-network\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:site_name\" content=\"OpenBusinessCouncil Directory\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:published_time\" content=\"2022-04-07T20:40:54+00:00\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:image\" content=\"https:\/\/www.footballthink.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/04\/1_Na0VjU4pcX12lk_L3-oxw.jpeg\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:width\" content=\"1050\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:height\" content=\"700\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:type\" content=\"image\/jpeg\" \/>\n<meta name=\"author\" content=\"Hernaldo Turrillo\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:card\" content=\"summary_large_image\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:label1\" content=\"Written by\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:data1\" content=\"Hernaldo Turrillo\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:label2\" content=\"Est. reading time\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:data2\" content=\"4 minutes\" \/>\n<script type=\"application\/ld+json\" class=\"yoast-schema-graph\">{\"@context\":\"https:\/\/schema.org\",\"@graph\":[{\"@type\":\"Article\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.footballthink.com\/networking-101-how-to-get-the-most-from-your-network\/#article\",\"isPartOf\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.footballthink.com\/networking-101-how-to-get-the-most-from-your-network\/\"},\"author\":{\"name\":\"Hernaldo Turrillo\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.footballthink.com\/#\/schema\/person\/b9610afd0759dc701187a7f622375c23\"},\"headline\":\"Networking 101: How to Get the Most from Your Network\",\"datePublished\":\"2022-04-07T20:40:54+00:00\",\"dateModified\":\"2022-04-07T20:40:54+00:00\",\"mainEntityOfPage\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.footballthink.com\/networking-101-how-to-get-the-most-from-your-network\/\"},\"wordCount\":845,\"publisher\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.footballthink.com\/#organization\"},\"keywords\":[\"network\",\"skills\"],\"articleSection\":[\"Business Resources\"],\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\"},{\"@type\":\"WebPage\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.footballthink.com\/networking-101-how-to-get-the-most-from-your-network\/\",\"url\":\"https:\/\/www.footballthink.com\/networking-101-how-to-get-the-most-from-your-network\/\",\"name\":\"Networking 101: How to Get the Most from Your Network - 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He has been working for ztudium group since 2017. He is the editor of openbusinesscouncil.org, tradersdna.com, hedgethink.com, and writes regularly for intelligenthq.com, socialmediacouncil.eu. Hernaldo was born in Spain and finally settled in London, United Kingdom, after a few years of personal growth. Hernaldo finished his Journalism bachelor degree in the University of Seville, Spain, and began working as reporter in the newspaper, Europa Sur, writing about Politics and Society. He also worked as community manager and marketing advisor in Los Barrios, Spain. Innovation, technology, politics and economy are his main interests, with special focus on new trends and ethical projects. He enjoys finding himself getting lost in words, explaining what he understands from the world and helping others. Besides a journalist, he is also a thinker and proactive in digital transformation strategies. 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