I remember in my twenties I thought I wasn’t “getting out there” enough. I would see events all the time deemed as must-attend to expand your network and reach career goals. I found myself at a few of these, awkwardly trying to make conversation with people I often never spoke with again. In my thirties, I’ve had some realizations when it comes to networking and they seem to be paying off.
6 Tips to Networking that Don’t Include a Happy Hour
- Don’t burn bridges. This may seem obvious, but I’ve seen it way too many times. If you wrong someone personally or professionally, do your best to make it right. This also means working hard not to get the reputation of a gossip or a slacker. As the saying goes, we live in small world, right?
- Realize that networking is important no matter what season of life you’re in or what your current career goals may be. For the stay at home mom, networking can mean getting recs on the best activities and resources for your kids. On the other side of the coin, you never know if your employer will have a cutback that will include you – yikes! The point is, it’s not always about moving up the ladder or seeking out new opportunities – make it a priority no matter what.
- Networking isn’t about being best friends, it’s about being a respectful human. I have a blogger friend that told me about an experience reaching out to another local blogger. Essentially, my friend was “newer to the game” and the seasoned blogger told her she already had enough friends and wasn’t interested in any further conversation or lunch. I was floored at hearing this {for so many reasons}! I’ve seen folks in higher positions load it on interns, then those interns go on to be their manager. R-E-S-P-E-C-T…
- Sincerity + Authenticity is the only way to go. No one likes a kiss-a$$ or people that try to move their own agenda without considering yours.
- Have a signature line on your emails with a link to more about you. This one some of you may balk at, but it doesn’t mean having a full-on blog or even web page. However, most of America has a LinkedIn profile or Twitter account. I really struggled with whether or not to put anything further on my personal emails, but in the end I went with it because I like the option of learning more about the sender of emails I receive.
- Have something to hand someone that organically compliments or comes across your work. When I’m wearing my blogger hat, this means if someone likes my shoes then I better have a card to give them so they can go to my site and shop them. If I’m at a work event, having a card for collaborations is imperative.
I recently had these business cards made by an independent artist from Minted, and I’m so pleased with how they turned out.
6 Tips to Networking that Don't Include a Happy Hour Click To Tweet
The quality is impeccable, and the design is super chic {just as the title says}!
The photo option on the back was not an additional fee and I think is a great way to not be so quickly forgotten, ha! I remember faces before names and I can’t tell you how many times I’ve had a stack of cards and not recalled where I met the person.
Here are a few other business card designs that caught my eye.
{From left} preppy stripes // unforgettable font // sleek and chic
Here’s a peek at a professional look I love coming to the blog soon. These pants are amazing. I ordered them in pink and a blue pattern. I had to get a new bag for my MacBook since I recently upgraded from the 13 inch to 15 inch. It fits perfectly.
xo,
