Networking can’t (and shouldn’t) replace talent. But if you network actively, you have a far greater chance of having your talent recognised. Judith Perle, who has just published a book called ‘The Network Effect’, gives her top tips on networking effectively to find a new job, make a career change or get promoted.
1. Make time to network – building a network takes time and effort.
2. Understand that giving is better (and often more effective) than getting.
3. Introduce people in your network to each other, so you start to build a reputation as someone worth knowing.
4. Value your acquaintances and friends. You often learn new information from people on the fringes of your network.
5. Realise that you never know who knows whom; most people’s networks are invisible to everybody but themselves.
6. Build relationships. On the whole, people help people they like. Not everybody has to be your best friend, but there has to be at least some fellow-feeling.
7. Stay in touch with contacts, and try not to let relationships wither away.
8. Don’t hide behind your desk, but make a point of meeting people face to face.
9. Get out and about to raise your profile so that people know who you are.
10. Practice, practice, practice. The only way to get better at networking, and to reap the benefits, is to get out and do it.
The Network Effect
If you’d like to learn more about how to network, read Judith Perle and Tony Newton’s new book The Network Effect. Written as an extension of their interactive workshops, the book walks you through everything you need to know about connecting with other people. Quote discount code tne10 to get a 10% reduction off the cover price of £10.99 when you buy direct from the publishers via www.TheNetworkEffect.co.uk.
Judith Perle is co-author (with Tony Newton) of The Network Effect, and a director of Management Advantage which specialises in teaching communication skills. A graduate of London Business School, her communication skills were developed over a career in publishing and branding.
