If your job search or career was a car, networking is the gas that makes it move forward. Unfortunately, a lot of people don’t cultivate their networks until they need to use it as a support system. The secret is to actively foster your network throughout your career — not just when you need it.

Luckily, career coach and networking expert Diana Chan is here to help. She joined Andrew in the studio to share some key networking tips to help you make valuable connections.

Get Clear on Your Intention
As with a lot of career-oriented endeavors, networking works better when you know why you’re doing it. Are you networking to learn? To get a new position? To find more connections in a new area? Knowing your “why” is key.

Think Longterm
According to Diana, for her clients who have found new jobs through networking, “It doesn't happen overnight. It could take three months, six months or even a year for an opportunity to unfold there.” So, rather than expecting every phone call or coffee date to lead to a job, think of each meeting as time spent building a relationship that might help you further in the future.

Figure Out Your Cadence
Setting goals like “I want to attend one large event every quarter” or “I’d like to set up one coffee meeting every week” can help you keep your networking goals on track, without overwhelming your calendar.

Add Value
Make sure you’re not just setting up meetings to ask people outright for a job. Your goal in networking is to create a mutually beneficial relationship. Even if you’re just starting your career, or have just lost a job, don’t fear. Sharing something like an article or podcast, or offering an introduction to someone else in your network, could be a valuable thing to offer. 

Start Somewhere
If you’re ready to start leveraging your network to help you take a career step, start with something small – even reaching out to a connection to say something reminded you of them, or that you’re exploring options and would love to know more about their field, can be a good starting point.

At the end of the day, networking is all about creating a community of people whose advice you value and who know your work. There’s never a better time to start than now.

Follow Diana Chan on LinkedIn

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