You create your network by networking. That seems obvious, but do you know what networking really means? There are a variety of ways to go about networking, you can attend an event specifically for this purpose, but the best way to really create a useful network is to constantly be networking. Don’t worry, it’s not nearly as exhausting as it sounds.
The individuals that make up your network are called connections. A connection can be someone you worked with, a friend of your parents, an alum you met at a BU event, professors or even family and friends. Web sites like LinkedIn provide an easy way to keep track of your connections. If you start paying attention, you’ll see potential connections almost every day.
If a guest speaker visits one of your classes, make a point of going up to speak with them afterward, even if it means waiting a little while for all the other eager students to take their turn. Use the time while you’re waiting to think of what you’re going to say. Asking a question is always a good bet. You want to give them a reason to remember you. Then tell them, ‘I am working on building my network, are you on LinkedIn? Do you mind if I send you a request to join my network?’ Chances are good they will agree. You can use a modified version of this approach for anyone you come in contact with. Don’t be concerned about only including communications professionals in your network, you never know where opportunties may arise in the future.
Picture from: http://jpsblog.org/2009/07/the-jewish-non-profit-guide-to-social-media-marketing/
The individuals that make up your network are called connections. A connection can be someone you worked with, a friend of your parents, an alum you met at a BU event, professors or even family and friends. Web sites like LinkedIn provide an easy way to keep track of your connections. If you start paying attention, you’ll see potential connections almost every day.
If a guest speaker visits one of your classes, make a point of going up to speak with them afterward, even if it means waiting a little while for all the other eager students to take their turn. Use the time while you’re waiting to think of what you’re going to say. Asking a question is always a good bet. You want to give them a reason to remember you. Then tell them, ‘I am working on building my network, are you on LinkedIn? Do you mind if I send you a request to join my network?’ Chances are good they will agree. You can use a modified version of this approach for anyone you come in contact with. Don’t be concerned about only including communications professionals in your network, you never know where opportunties may arise in the future.
The Difference Between Your Professional Network and Your Social Network
Facebook is a social networking site. You need to create a professional network to use throughout your career. You may end up with some of your Facebook friends in your professional network, but do not make the mistake of including those in your professional network as Facebook friends. Some communications professionals use Facebook as a networking tool, but most people see Facebook as a place for friends only and LinkedIn as a place for professional networking.Maintain Your Network
If you’re using a site like LinkedIn, you can easily maintain your network. Update your ‘What Are You Working on Now?’ status if you are working on a big project or have an internship. Send emails occasionally to touch base with the key people in your network. If you like the company you interned with and think you’d like to work there after graduation, be sure to stay in touch with those people. Once or twice a year is sufficient for maintaining a connection. You don’t want to be a pest you just want to remind them who you are and what you’re doing.Picture from: http://jpsblog.org/2009/07/the-jewish-non-profit-guide-to-social-media-marketing/
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