Effective networking

External article

Author: Małgorzata Majewska, expert at monsterpolska.pl

You know well you shouldn't wear jeans to an interview, but are you equally familiar with the rules of networking? If you are unceremonious about acquiring professional contacts, you can completely discourage potential business partners. Understand the most common networking mistakes so you can avoid them.

Don't wait

Most people start taking care of their business contacts only after losing their job. Effective networking means creating contacts and relationships with potential business partners, especially when we are employed.

Be aware

If you are going to a meeting where you can get a lot of interesting contacts, think carefully about what goal you want to achieve. You're looking for a job? If so, is it something specific or do you just need a change? Are you looking for business contacts or maybe a person who would be a mentor in a given field? If someone starts talking to you, you need to know which way you want to lead the discussion. If you don't know what you want, you will fail - emphasizes Małgorzata Majewska, expert of monsterpolska.pl

Be prepared

Treat every meeting where you can establish important business contacts as a big speech. You must be very well prepared. Practice proper pronunciation and possible answers as you may have the opportunity to comment on your own career plans and goals you want to achieve.

Remember about business cards

It's quite awkward when you have an interesting conversation and at one point you reach for a napkin to write down a phone number. To avoid such situations, invest extra money in professional business cards printed on good quality paper.

Please respect the other person's time

Everyone wants to make the most of a business meeting and gain a range of new contacts. However, respect your interlocutor's time and don't let them get tired of you. If you contact us by phone or e-mail, remember that the other party has other obligations - recalls Małgorzata Majewska.

Take care of the right outfit

When going to a meeting where you want to get professional contacts, make sure you have the right presence. Look neat, remember manners, stay upright and have a firm handshake. Maintain eye contact with your interlocutor, show them respect. Such interviews at business meetings may be a rehearsal for an interview. You definitely want to be remembered well by someone who can help you find a job in the future.

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Let yourself be remembered

People with contacts, holding high positions, meet a lot of people, but remember a few. Make sure you stand out from the crowd. Be assertive, act like a natural leader. However, don't overdo it. After all, you want to show yourself as confident, not obnoxious - describes Małgorzata Majewska.

Do not give up

If someone says that he or she is unable to offer you anything interesting at the moment, do not be discouraged and ask what the prospects are for the future. Find out if your interlocutor has no friends who are looking for an employee just like you. Ask what your next step should be. Perseverance is evidence of genuine interest and can help your contact person come up with ideas that might otherwise be overlooked.

Be truthful

It is very tempting to refer to someone without their knowledge to help you arrange an important meeting. However, remember that a lie can always come out. The person you meet will find out that you were not honest, and as a result, you will burn not one, but two bridges behind you.

Show your gratitude

After each conversation, send a short thank you, an e-mail or call us. Let your interlocutors know if their tips turned out to be successful. If for any reason you end your job search, let the person who helped you know. It may seem to you that this is the end of your contact, but you never know when your paths will cross again - sums up Małgorzata Majewska.