Networking is always one of the major keys in any career, but it doesn’t always come naturally to everyone. And with networking events being few and far between, it’s critical to think strategically about how you are making a name for yourself in the power generation industry. Here are several tips to help you get out and build your network.
Think Outside the Networking Box
Networking opportunities aren’t limited to professional organization meetings, corporate mixers, or networking groups. Far from it, in fact. Networking opportunities can occur in just about any situation. The trick is to place yourself in the path of other professionals that might turn out to be a good connection. Do you work out at a gym close to the office? Rather than tuning out the world, consider joining a class. Chances are your classmates will also be professionals working nearby. Having the opportunity to interact and build friendships with other professionals in a more relaxed atmosphere helps to take the pressure off. However, it can still result in some high-quality professional connections.
Get Out In Your Community
Professional organizations are an excellent resource for building your network. But community organizations can also be a great resource for making connections. We really can each benefit from meeting and engaging with people from different backgrounds and areas of expertise. Consider joining a civic group, such as Kiwanis or Lions, or a volunteer-driven organization like Habitat for Humanity, or Big Brothers/Big Sisters of America. You should focus on sharing your expertise to build your network. And keep in mind that every connection you make is the addition of another professional network to your own network resulting in exponential growth, which can pay off.
Take a Class
Are you interested in learning a new skill? Sign up for a class. Whether you are interested in taking on a new hobby or taking your career in a different direction, the classroom is a natural place to connect with other people with shared interests. You could find yourself rubbing elbows with VIPs and new clients in a very natural and conversational venue. You simply might not ever have the opportunity to meet certain people within a professional context, so take yourself out of the networking cage and engage with other people in a more natural and interesting environment.
Skip the Sales Pitch
It can feel like a high-pressure situation where you need to be selling your brand and pushing your resume at networking opportunities. But the truth is that networking is just about getting to know more people and letting them get to know you. The hard sell is no longer a good way to convince people to add them to their professional network, or at least not one where they will look back on the interaction favorably. The purpose of networking is to connect with new colleagues and build relationships, not to sell yourself overtly. Avoid self-promotional or boastful jargon in favor of more natural, meaningful conversation.
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To learn more about the power generation industry, ESGI is here to help! Contact our team today.
