Networking is important.
I’m not the first person who’s told you that and I’m most certainly not the last.
After all, today’s job search is so much more than unsolicited resumes and job boards. Instead, smart job seekers are finding new and varied ways to network their way into their dream jobs.
Between social media, offline meetings, and the oh-so-important talent communities, networking is where worthwhile connections are made and awkward interviews are spared.
But, what happens when you just don’t feel like networking? It happens to the best of us. James Madeiros of CareerBright offers three tips that we love:
1. RSVP
Many conferences and meetings are announced and coordinated via electronic services like Eventbrite or some other scheduling method, and committing to the RSVP list is a great way to stay in the game.
Professionals keep their appointments and sending an RSVP to an event, especially when other prospective attendees can see who has registered, is a great way to instill a little automatic incentive in a networking plan.
It’s true that this may not change your mood about attending, but that’s where #2 comes in …
Check out: Attitude Adjustment: 4 New Outlooks Every Job Seeker Should Adopt
2. Focus on Fun
Sometimes the thought of being professional can get in the way of having fun, but that doesn’t have to be the case. Networking events are typically geared to facilitate interaction, which usually means food, drink and activities are available to help keep the social gears well-oiled.
The recommendation here is to stay engaged. Eat the food, drink the drinks and enjoy it! Let go of the “too cool for school” persona and play the little get-to-know-you games. It’s a great way to inject a little fun into the event and will show people you have charisma.
Studies show time and again that confidence and social savvy gets more deals inked than being smart, and regardless of the rightness of that fact it is more often the one who participates who reaps the rewards.
Check out: Talent Connection Episode 33: Back to Basics: Talent Communities
3. Buddy Up
There are (usually) no rules stating who can attend what networking event, and people can take advantage of that fact by inviting a friend or even a date along for the ride. Of course, it will help if that friend is also interested in the networking community at hand, but even if not it can still make a positive difference.
Having someone else there to share the moment can provide a sounding board for better communication, a foil for added humor or a buffer to help avoid unwanted contact. A good wingman (or wingwoman) can enrich the networking experience by keeping you more engaged and upbeat, especially when conference doldrums set in.
Check out: Reach Out to Someone New: 5 Steps to Build Your Network
What do you think? Do you agree with Madeiros’ tips? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
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