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Networking (OLD): Networking

Telling Your Career Story

Associations and Professional Development by Subject

Build Your Network

Networking is the art of building mutually beneficial relationships. It is the best way to identify new career opportunities and strengthen your professional reputation and brand.  By engaging in face-to-face and online networking activities, you are paving the way to your next career.  Start engaging in your future by growing and strengthening your network.

How do I build my network?

Start by taking an inventory of people you already know, as they might be important contacts or know others who can benefit you.  Reach out to friends, family, colleagues, and supervisors via e-mail, phone, or LinkedIn to let them know what you are seeking. 

Networking contacts offline:

  • alumni organizations
  • children's contacts: PTA, Little League, Scouts, parents of their friends
  • church
  • classes
  • clubs, such as hobby groups or fitness facilities 
  • former workplace contacts
  • friends
  • military colleague
  • neighbors
  • participants in conferences, seminars, or workshops
  • political groups
  • professional associations
  • relatives
  • service professionals: attorneys, accountants, doctors, dentists, insurance agents, pharmacists, realtors, travel agents, veterinarians
  • volunteer service organizations
  • Walden faculty, students, staff


Networking contacts online:

  • Facebook
  • Google+
  • Meetup.com
  • LinkedIn
  • Ted.com
  • Twitter

Networking Tips

  1. Develop your brand.  Think about what makes you stand out in your current or desired career field.  Learn how to create an elevator speech to communicate your brand.
  2. Clean up your online image.  Conduct a simple internet search of your name to see what is currently out there.  Remember, if people can find it, it is a part of your brand.
  3. Build relationships offline.  Professional associations, volunteering, and connecting with your community will quickly expand your network.
  4. Build relationships online.  Twitter, LinkedIn, Facebook, and blogs are great social media tools to showcase expertise and expand your network.
  5. Tailor your LinkedIn profile.  Learn how to create a LinkedIn account.  Complete your profile to 100% and tailor your headline and summary.
  6. Target your efforts.  Take time to set networking goals and reflect upon your progress.
  7. Share your passion.  When you meet someone new, it is your opportunity to share your passion toward your field.
  8. Show gratitude.  Send a thank-you note when a professional goes out of his or her way to meet with you.
  9. Follow up.  Set a date when you will follow up with people in your network to maintain your relationships.
  10. Give back to your network. Once you have established your network, pay it forward and be a mentor for others!

What is branding?

Your brand captures what strengths, experiences, and attributes make you stand out from a crowd.  Once you identify your brand, convey it consistently across multiple venues, such as LinkedIn and in conversation.

What is an elevator speech?

Prepare a 30-second speech, the approximate length of time you’d ride on an elevator with someone, to convey who you are, what you are doing professionally, and where you are headed.  Practice your speech to deliver a confident, natural introduction.

The goal of your elevator speech is to lay the groundwork for an interactive, mutually beneficial conversation with your new contact by building on common interests and goals.  As you both share your backgrounds, you may decide to schedule a follow-up conversation, so be sure to exchange contact information. 

Sample elevator speech:

"I'm pursuing my Ed.D, which complements my 10 years of teaching experience with the goal of moving into administration.  I am researching whether increased computer usage affects elementary students' participation in extracurricular activities.  In other words, is Facebook taking kids off the soccer field?"

Why is networking important?

  • Approximately 80% of jobs are in the non-advertised "hidden job market."
  • Employers are more likely to interview someone whose work and reputation they know, either directly or indirectly.
  • You learn about career opportunities, work environments, best practices, hot topics and challenges, and key players in your career field.
  • You can showcase information, accomplishments, passions, and skills that might not arise in an interview.
  • You strengthen your professional reputation or "brand."

Have you explored OptimalResume?

Click on the button to access OptimalResume

OptimalResume is a self-guided career management system with tools to help you create high-impact materials including resumes, cover letters, and career portfolios; and an interview prep function to practice interviewing skills.

To register on OptimalResume, click on New User and enter your Walden University email.

 

Looking to get started with OptimalResume?  Review the tutorials and checklist below: