As they say, it’s not what you know; it’s who you know. Here’s some networking advice from personal leadership brand strategist Robyn Young.
Networking is a li le like dating: you meet a stranger in the hopes of being able to form a long-standing relationship and live happily ever a er – at least, as far as your career’s concerned. Whether it’s meeting the love of your life or making a professional connection that will help further your career aspirations, the whole idea of putting yourself out there is a hurdle all of its own. But fear not! Personal leadership brand strategist Robyn Young is here to show you how to put your best foot forward and network like a pro.
Leverage your social media
Your online presence is a powerful networking tool that not only helps you to access spaces and people that you never knew about; it also shows those people that you are real and trustworthy. The key is to present yourself consistently and professionally, while adding in a touch of your personality.
“When it comes to personal branding, it all counts,” adds Robyn. “Everything you do and say, or don’t say, whether it’s on professional or personal social media platforms, reflects the value and character of you and your brand.”
A well-rounded LinkedIn profile, for example, can be a game-changer – especially when you actively engage with your network by sharing articles or interacting with posts. Other social media platforms, such as Instagram, are just as important. “They showcase your personality and help you to build diverse connections that you may not normally make,” says Robyn.
“You can push the boundaries a little bit on these platforms, although I would strongly advise maintaining professional integrity across all channels.” Do engage in relevant discussions, follow industry leaders, and connect with professionals in your fi eld – this helps you create a virtual gateway to connect with like-minded people and potential mentors.
Don’t show everything to everyone, though. “If you don’t want a potentially very important person to see your personal activity, make sure your privacy settings are intact,” Robyn cautions.
Net(work) the room
From workshops to seminars and conferences, networking events are prime opportunities to connect in person with other people who share your interests. “Networking events vary hugely in their size and focus, so depending on what you need, you can look for events through online forums, social media, industry bodies, professional associations and small business networking clubs,” says Robyn.
She also recommends researching the person you’re going to meet in advance: “I might not share what I’ve learnt about them, but it gives me a confident edge to feel more prepared.” Once you’ve identified an event, approach it with an open mind and a friendly energy. And don’t hesitate to strike up conversations with attendees, speakers or even organisers.
“Ask them where they network outside of these events, which will give you good insight into what works and what doesn’t,” says Robyn. The overall goal is to build rapport, rather than immediately pitching yourself.
Add value to gain value “While there are definite personal benefits to networking, it’s counter-intuitively not about you,” says Robyn. Networking is a two-way street. When you meet someone, go in with the aim of highlighting what you bring to the table before asking for anything. This could be sharing a helpful resource, offering your expertise or connecting them with someone from your network.
“Genuinely engaging with how you can help the people you meet, makes it less about self-promotion and more about service,” says Robyn, noting that when you demonstrate your willingness to contribute, you’re establishing yourself as a valuable contact. “Networking can seem fake or cheesy at first, but not necessarily. If you focus on building real relationships based on common interests, then it can be authentic,” she adds.
Take the time to understand each person’s background, goals and challenges, by asking open-ended questions – and listen actively to their responses. Doing this helps you find common ground with the person, creating a solid foundation for a more authentic relationship.
When an opportunity arises, they’re far more likely to think of someone who showed a genuine interest in helping them than a person who came off as a little more self-involved. While it’s natural to assume that the contacts you make will be future clients or customers, it’s not always the case.
“Sometimes it happens like that, but most often the people you meet support you or introduce you to other people, and they become your clients or customers,” shares Robyn.
Quality over quantity
“A common misconception is that you must walk away with a long list of contacts, but at the end of the day it’s the quality of connection that matters, not the quantity,” Robyn says. In other words, it’s not about how many contacts you have, but rather about how well you nurture and maintain those relationships.
Invest time and effort into a select group of connections that resonate with your goals and interests. Follow up and engage regularly and offer your support wherever possible. A few strong relationships can lead to more opportunities and collaborations than a large network of superficial contacts. Networking, at its core, is all about relationships more than anything else.
So, whether you’re standing in line at the bank or attending a networking event, put your best foot forward and be your best self. With the right intentions, the rest will fall into place. And just like that… you’re plugged in.
Your networking survival kit
Want to navigate events like a pro? Robyn recommends asking these five questions:
- What brings you to this event? “This is my personal favourite because it gives you a window into both your hopes and fears. It’s also a great way of understanding the other person’s motivation for an ending.”
- Tell me about your background and what you do… “Asking about what they do – their business or role – opens the space for common ground, shared interests or where you could possibly be of service. If they mention something personal (children, partner, hobbies, interests), you can ask more about those. I rarely initiate a conversation about what they enjoy doing outside of work, as it can often feel intrusive or contrived.”
- What are you most passionate about in your work? “Inquiring about their passions can reveal their enthusiasm and expertise, opening the door to deeper conversations and potential collaboration.”
- Have you encountered any interesting challenges or successes recently? “At this point I might ask if they’ve had any success at events such as this, or what other networks they’ve found valuable. Asking about challenges and successes not only encourages meaningful conversation but also provides an opportunity for you to offer insights or advice based on your own experiences.”
- Are there any upcoming projects or initiatives you’re excited about? “This question can reveal future plans and opportunities for collaboration, making it easier to establish a connection that extends beyond the initial conversation.”
Words by: Geraldine Amoko
Photography:
