Networking is an essential skill in navigating career success, but the thought of networking conjures up images of stuffy business meetings, business cards, and sales pitches. People often forget that networking can be casual, and should be a daily effort — Even if you have an established network, it’s important to still make an effort to expand it. Just as candidates may want to network to expand their potential offers, recruiters always want to expand their talent pool and client base. Here are 6 ways to expand your network:
Join a professional organization
There are professional organizations for nearly every career and interest, made up of other professionals with years of experience, knowledge, and connections that you can benefit from. NPAworldwide is a global recruitment organization, and while many recruiters specifically join to make splits and further their success in recruiting, many others join for the opportunity to build connections, learn from others, and market themselves as a member. If you are a recruiter in a specific field/niche, think about joining or learning about the organizations that your candidates are a part of. It doesn’t have to be a recruiting-specific organization, either – if you have a hobby or special interest, chances are they have a group you could join. Same with alumni associations. And you never know who you might meet! We have a member who plays hockey, and has garnered both candidates and clients through their mutual love of the sport.
Attend networking events, conferences and trade shows
NPAworldwide hosts an annual Global Networking Conference, as well as several regional meet-ups, including one that’s happening in Barcelona right now. NOt only are these great opportunities for networking, but there are often speakers, presentations, and roundtables you can take part in and learn from. You can search LinkedIn, Meetup, Eventbrite and Facebook for networking events geared toward your expertise. Make sure to bring a stack of business cards to pass out, and a notepad and pen. And always follow up with the contacts you made, shortly after the meeting.
Volunteer
Taking a break from your day-to-day and volunteering can expose you to professionals from different fields. And unlike business conferences that tend to be stuffy, volunteering can help you make deeper connections with people who have similar interests. Or, within your field or business organizations, raise your hand to volunteer for any available volunteer roles, or even to host a meeting – this will help get you some exposure as well as build new connections.
Find a Mentor
In NPAworldwide, we have a program called the Peer Coach program, where new members can opt to have a longtime, successful member take them under their wing and teach them the ins-and-outs of the network, and share how they found success. Finding someone in your field who has experience, success, and was once a “newbie” or has “been there” is invaluable.
Get Social
Social media makes networking so easy. Connect with former coworkers who have moved on from your company. Wish “happy birthday” to your Facebook connections. ‘Like’ an Instagram photo posted by an alumni from your school. Re-tweet articles that industry leaders share. Post blogs that fellow recruiters may find valuable on your LinkedIn.
Talk to Family and Friends
The simplest one is often the most overlooked because it’s not viewed as ‘networking’ per se. But you wouldn’t believe how many stories we’ve heard our members tell about a quick chat they had with a neighbor that turned into a placement, such as ‘oh, my nephew is a Software Engineer and just graduated, do you know of anyone looking?’, or talking to friends over dinner when one mentions the new job they just got with a company that’s expanding and needing to build out a team.
Networking is all about being proactive and getting outside of your comfort zone. Build relationships, share information, and find other like-minded individuals to support and who can support you.