No, I’m not talking about creating a connection between multiple computers.
I’m talking about creating a connection between multiple individuals to learn and get ahead in life.
Networking creates opportunities all the time. Networking helps expand your skill set and learn from knowledgeable individuals.
For those that are still in school and want to expand their network, attend as many job fairs, job panels and other presentations as possible. Introduce yourself and if it’s a job fair, have a resume handy (even if you’re not interested in the company or you don’t think you can make it in - you’ve nothing to lose). Always take or ask for business cards and enter person’s information in your Address Book. Note which company they belong to as well. Write a follow up email address, so that you will stick out in the individual’s head.
Always keep this in mind even if you’re at a corporate party, a store, social get-together, etc. Few years ago, a person noticed me looking at investing books at Borders book store. He approached me and we started talking. Not surprisingly about business.
While I may not have enough balls to do that, there are tons of opportunities (that are not so drastic) to network professionally around you, even in social situations.
Good luck.
Adam
October 26th, 2006 »I think the whole ‘networking’ thing has sort of got a bad press. People shudder at the thought of networking and the business card shuffle but to be honest all it is is talking to some one.
A while ago I went to one of those networking 101 style seminar to fill myself in and it helped no end, just to learn that networking is just talking and making contact. Of course making that contact into something of importance to you also helps. Now I take full advantage of any opportunity given, hell it’s only talking after all.
Bit like now I guess
debbie landa
October 31st, 2006 »networking is tough, you have to be a certain type of person to really be good at it. and to be totally honest, if you’re young, it’s even harder. but just to add to the post above, if you really want to meet the right people, volunteer to work at a confernece that have the companies you’re trying to get in front of. I run conferences for “very” high level executives and the people who volunteer have plenty of opportunities to meet the CEOs, VCs and anyone else they can at the event. it’s no where near as awkward as attending an event and trying to talk to someone that you’re trying to get a job with. Just my 2 cents.