How to Network Like a Pro

Let’s talk about something that makes many people uncomfortable: networking. If you’re here, you probably already know that networking is important for your career. But here’s the thing - it doesn’t have to be as scary or complicated as it seems.

I know this because I’ve been on both sides. Early in my career, I dreaded every networking event. Now, I actually look forward to meeting new people and building my network. The difference? Understanding that networking is just about making real connections with other professionals.

What Makes Networking Important?

Think about how you got your last job. Or how your friend found that amazing opportunity. Chances are, personal networking played a role. Studies show that up to 80% of jobs are filled through networking relationships rather than traditional applications.

But networking goes beyond just finding jobs. It’s about:

• Learning from others’ experiences
• Find out about new job opportunities before they’re public
• Building a support system in your industry

Getting Ready

Here’s a truth bomb: successful networking isn’t about working a room with a stack of business cards. It’s about making genuine connections. Before you head to any networking event, focus on:

1. Understanding who’ll be there
2. Setting realistic goals (hint: meeting 2-3 people well beats meeting 20 people briefly)
3. Preparing your story - not a sales pitch, just an honest introduction
4. Bringing the basics (business cards if you use them, but your LinkedIn profile works too)

Making Real Connections

The secret to Linkedin business networking or in-person events? Be curious about others. Instead of worrying about what to say, focus on asking questions like:

• “What excites you most about your work?”
• “What challenges are you facing in your industry?”
• “How did you get started in this field?”

LinkedIn and Networking: Making it Work

LinkedIn has become the go-to platform for professional networking. But here’s what most people get wrong - they treat it like a resume database instead of a networking tool.

To make LinkedIn work for building your network:

• Share your actual experiences, not just achievements
• Comment thoughtfully on others’ posts
• Join industry groups and participate in discussions
• Connect with purpose (add a personal note explaining why you’d like to connect)

Shameless plug: Rumo can help you nurture your relationships by syncing with your LinkedIn. It also allows you to set follow-up reminders and add notes and tags.

Keeping Relationships Alive

This is where most networking efforts fail. People collect contacts but don’t nurture relationships. Here’s what works:

• Follow up within 48 hours of meeting someone
• Share useful articles or resources (without expecting anything in return)
• Check in periodically with genuine updates or questions
• Offer help when possible

Common Mistakes to Avoid

I’ve made plenty of networking mistakes, and here’s what I’ve learned:

• Don’t just reach out when you need something
• Avoid treating every interaction like a sales opportunity
• Don’t promise things you are not able to deliver
• Never spam your network with random messages

Dealing with Networking Challenges

Feel nervous about networking? You’re not alone. Here are some real solutions:

• Start small with one-on-one coffee meetings
• Practice your personal pitch with friends
• Set goals (like meeting one new person per event)
• Remember that most people feel the same way

Conclusion

Building your network isn’t about collecting business cards or LinkedIn connections. It’s about creating genuine relationships with other professionals. Start small, be authentic, and focus on how you can help others. The opportunities will follow naturally.

Remember: the best time to start networking was yesterday. The second best time is today.

Want to get started? Pick one small networking action you can take this week. Maybe it’s updating your LinkedIn profile, reaching out to an old colleague, or signing up for an industry event. Whatever you choose, take that first step.