It’s taken me a long time to realize the true importance of having a network.
Partly due to the fact that I was stubborn and would rather not believe that my professors were correct.
And partly due to the fact that I didn’t have one.
Over the past six months, however, I’ve seen my network grow. The best part about networks, is that growth seems to happen overnight. You start with one “contact” and then it’s two… next thing you know, it’s four and then ten and then fifty people.
Seriously, the more you network, the more your network grows.
It’s amazing what things can get accomplished when you have this network.
The absolute hardest part is reaching out to people and starting the conversation. You might feel awkward and weird asking seemingly strangers questions and getting help and advice, but before long, you’ll have established a great connection.
Some perfect ways to form networks:
(1) Talk to every one. Whether it’s the person standing in line with you at the grocery store, or your neighbor that you’ve known for years. Open up and share a little bit about yourself (obviously, please do not give away your address to strangers in the grocery store… that won’t end well). You really never know what you might be able to get out of the relationship AS WELL AS what you might be able to contribute.
(2) Pick up the phone and cold call successful people. I’m sure almost everyone has thought to themselves at one point, “She is so successful working with XYZ Inc., I wonder how she got there!” Call and ask for advice! TRUST ME IT WORKS.
(3) Go to events!
Here is the perfect example of networking in action.
Remember how I was recognized in an airport? The girl was a student from GW and we stayed in contact (thanks to Twitter). After break, we met for cupcakes and talked and got to know each other.
Networking.
Fast forward to today… She invited me to participate in a business event at GW: Business Redefined sponsored by GWWIB.
Networking.
The event was great and all about business today and how to be successful. Speakers and panelists alike provided participants with great advice and insight to various industries. The panelists were quite willing to meet and shake hands and exchange business cards with any interested student.
Networking.
I also had the opportunity to share my story with College Prep with all sorts of students. I left the event with new friends, new contacts, and a thicker network.
Networking.
xoxo
I totally agree! Over spring break I attended a conference for fashion bloggers and met so many great people and made amazing connections. I felt sort of silly at first, but it actually led to a small collaboration with a brand I love, which I actually just posted about if you want to check it out 🙂
Bisous,
Rachel
http://lovealamode.wordpress.com
Great post Carly! I have learned how important a network is when trying to find a job. Your network is an invaluable resource. You never know who you will meet and what opportunities will arise. Have a great week!
This is odd…but I know one of the girls in your photo. That's Gabbi Baker. The world is so small sometimes…
Love this post! Networking is so important…and fun! 🙂
I totally agree. I didn't believe my professors, parents, older friends either until I grew my network. It is becasue of this network that I am where I am today. I am so thankful everyday that I learned how important networks are! Great post.
http://www.sprinklesoneverything.wordpress.com
This is a great post! I just found your blog today and I am now your newest follower! I would love for you to check out my blog and follow back! 🙂
bmaryandblessed.blogspot.com
great post! this is all SO true!
Anybody who is in the working world knows that its not what you know, but who you know! That is how we both landed our first jobs right out of college 🙂
Thanks for the great post, Carly! I'm glad you were able to come to the conference and so happy that you're highlighting the importance of networking – it's the only way to be successful in business today!
In honor of our blogs recent birthday we are hosting a giveaway! Stop by and enter.
http://sunnydaystarrynight.blogspot.com/2011/03/birthday-giveaway.html
That is a great idea! Thanks.
http://blondewestsidenerd.blogspot.com/
Great idea for a post! That's so cool how that girl helped you network, too. (:
This is so awesome Carly! I'm definitely reenergized about networking after seeing this.
I love this post. I find your approach both inspiring and refreshing. I appreciate that you are sincere about connecting with people who enjoy finding bright spots in the same way that you do. Sometimes the term networking implies that people are using each other to get somewhere. I feel like you are an example of the best meaning of the word – connecting with others and moving forward together. Super!
Networking and LinkedIn are my best friends!