Networking is the foundation to exploring careers, job searching, and learning about opportunities. Regardless of your comfort level with networking, anyone can make connections with the right tools and methods. To be motivated and increase your confidence in networking, we invite you to take our Networking Type Assessment.
This fun and quick quiz is a way to embrace how you individually build relationships and provide “easy-to-implement” ideas to network that are authentic to you.
Get Started:
Take the Networking Type Assessment at https://go.unl.edu/networking
Review your Networker Type Category below for networking ideas. Watch the Networking Strategies & Scripts video at https://use.vg/6gYgSw
Reach out and engage!
Networking Ideas:
The Observer & The Reactor
Since you are likely to have a few close strong relationships, make individuals in your network aware of your career goals or questions. Ask connections for introductions to ease the process.
If needing to reach out to a new connection, research the individual and see if there are any things you have in common. This will help you feel more comfortable when getting to know the individual and provide talking points.
Recognize that one of your greatest strengths is your ability to listen and stay focused on the speaker. Others notice when they are speaking to a good listener; remember this to instill confidence.
Meet with a career coach to construct a networking plan together. A career coach can help you stay accountable but also can review messages you want to send to contacts.
The Initiator & The Director
Networking may come naturally, so it can be easy to gain connections but harder to build deeper relationships over time. Write down a list of important connections and make a plan to re-engage with them.
Recognize some individuals may not have the same amount of energy to converse. Ensure you are always approachable. When connecting with others, ask what their preferred communication method is for a catch-up.
Own your connector status and leverage it. By introducing individuals strategically, you are generating trust while also being helpful thus strengthening the ties in your network.
Meet with a career coach to determine new avenues of gaining connections. A career coach can help you come up with a game plan of what tools to utilize, such as, LinkedIn, HuskerConnect, professional associations, social media, and events, to find new connections when you have overextended your own network.
By Janessa Hageman
Business Career Center
More details at: https://use.vg/6gYgSw