Consider this…

>> 60% of career opportunities never make it to the open market

That’s 6 out of 10 jobs that never receive even one application.

Well, let’s put this to the test and take a look back at how I made my career moves over the years.

1st job – application

2nd job – networking

3rd job – networking

4th job – networking

5th job – networking

6th job – networking

And I’m just one example.

I always say that a well-rounded career plan should include at least 3 job search channels, so applications do have their place. But, there’s no doubt that one of those channels MUST include building, nurturing, and leveraging your professional connections.

Even though we know that networking is a cornerstone of any healthy career, some of us struggle to put our full energy into it. 

It means putting yourself out there, selling yourself, & clearly articulating your brand.

All of which can feel overwhelming. Even more so for introverts who may prefer to spend time focused on other things.

Now, introversion doesn’t mean being shy or reserved. It refers to people who are energized by internal thoughts, ideas, and small groups rather than by engaging with external situations and people. 

That’s a simple definition, but you get the idea.

Even though it may feel challenging (at first), it’s important to be strategic about your networking agenda and at the end of the day, find a way to make it work for you. It’s that important.

These 5 tips can help you get started.

#1 Decide that it’s important to you

Introverts can tend to be driven by purpose & meaning in what they choose to focus on. Knowing why you’re choosing to invest time and energy in networking is a perfect place to start. Ask yourself this: What goal do I want to accomplish & how will networking help me get there?

#2 Do it your way

Work with what comes naturally to you. Introverts do well in 1:1 or small group interactions so allowing that to be how you network is a powerful strategy. Do more of that. Invite new connections out for coffee dates or set up a zoom meet-n-greet with 2 people you’d like to get to know better. 

Networking doesn’t have to mean an overwhelming ballroom full of hundreds of people. Going with your own flow will reduce nerves and any awkward feelings that come up when meeting someone for the first time.

#3 Diversify your relationships

Recognize that not every person you meet needs to become a deep, intimate inner circle sister-friend. There are different ‘levels’ and types of relationships and building a diverse network will serve you well. 

A connection that you meet up with once a year at a conference can be just as valuable as a member of your inner circle who you talk to every week. You can add & receive value with both relationships, just in different ways.

#4 Take your online relationships offline

Sometimes it’s easier to strike up a conversation with someone new using a platform like LinkedIn. Once you’ve traded a handful of InMails, it’s the perfect time to bring this cyber-friendship into real life. 

Invite your contact out for a lunch meet-up to keep building on the connection. By this time, you’ve developed some rapport and having an in-person meeting becomes a breeze.

#5 Always ask for a referral

Building your network through warm handoffs from one connection to the next is a smart networking strategy. Good people know good people and by asking someone who else they recommend you talk to next, definitely creates all kinds of good karma. 

You show that you trust and rely on your contact’s opinion & that goes a long way to making that connection stronger. And you can step into your next conversation with a warm handoff. Win-win-win!

*****

The main message I’d like to leave you with is do what works for you.

Let networking be easy and fun. Although there are tons of opinions out there about the what and how of building your connections, honestly, there’s no right way to do it.

If it works for you, then it’s the right way…for you.

How do you feel about networking? Comment below and let me know what feels most challenging.

Always let your network work for you.

You got this. I believe in you.

Cindy xo

Did you hear?? 

I made something special for you! It is my new FREE career guide, Get Promoted Playbook!

Learn the 10 strategies you can use to help position yourself for a promotion, even if playing politics isn’t your thing. Go to www.cindyharveyonline.com/playbook and grab your copy today!

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Cindy Harvey is a Leadership Coach and Founder of Amelia Dee, a career strategy company for women. She has coached hundreds of clients on leveraging the power of energy & mindset to create success at work as well as designing a magnetic professional brand to make their next career move a breeze.

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