Building your own personal network

BY: Timberlyn Hilliard

As we discussed in class networking is an essential part of advancing your career. People often say "It's not what you know, it's who you know“. These days, it’s not enough to keep your head down and produce A-plus work. You need to connect with others, be vocal about your interests and career goals, and build relationships with people you might not otherwise have met.
Here's some advice when trying to network:

1. Be intentional. Networking should always be done with an intention, and not just to collect business cards and be seen. Approach networking as you approach your work: Set a goal for yourself and find a networking opportunity that meets that goal.

2. Have an icebreaker. It can be tough to walk up to a stranger and start conversation, no matter how confident you are. But having a line ready to go in order to generate conversation is crucial. I have found much success with a simple, “What brings you here to this event?” It works every time—it goes straight to the point and builds on your first common interest: that fact that you’re both there for a reason!

3. Be open about your career goals. Being confident and speaking up about you future goals could intrest someone around you that could potentially become a business partner in the long run.

4. Follow up. If you have a great conversation with someone at a networking event and exchange contact information, send him or her a note and remark on your interaction. Mention something specific you enjoyed about speaking with the person. If you offered to connect him or her with someone else, follow through. Networking isn’t over when you walk out of the event!