How to Build and Maintain Your Network

Author: Kat
Source: Corporette

This is kind of an abstract post, so I’ll ask some questions up front for you to think about as you read over it — what are your best professional networking tips, particularly regarding how to build your network, and then how to maintain a network? Which networks, associations and affiliations have been the most fruitful and the most enjoyable for you? Have you seen a lot of overlap and “lucky coincidences” between your various networks, associations and affiliations? 

I’ve been thinking about different business relationships you have to cultivate over the course of your career, from people in your network to mentors to sponsors and beyond. When I was younger, if you had asked me about “how to build your network,” I might have defined it as very self-focused. You choose who you want to bring into your orbit and keep them there — people who are handpicked for knowledge or skill or experience as it relates to you.

This version of “how to network” might be represented visually like this:

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Use Your Network to Build a Successful Career

Author: Richard White
Source: Career Geek

Is networking important for building your career? The use of networking as a career-building tool is nothing new. It is possible that you may be doing it without even being aware of it. The problem is not in the concept itself but in its execution. Here, in this post, we will try to understand how to do it right.

Professional networking is not about pestering people, who you have met only once, for jobs. It is not about smooth talking to all your contacts. It is not about emailing people you have not even met for opportunities or introductions. It is about nurturing your present alliances and creating new relationships.

Using Your Professional Network to Build a Successful Career

Author: Richard White
Source: CareerGeek Blog

Is networking important for building your career? The use of networking as a career-building tool is nothing new. It is possible that you may be doing it without even being aware of it. The problem is not in the concept itself but in its execution. Here, in this post, we will try to understand how to do it right.

Professional networking is not about pestering people, who you have met only once, for jobs. It is not about smooth talking to all your contacts. It is not about emailing people you have not even met for opportunities or introductions. It is about nurturing your present alliances and creating new relationships.

A Networking Guide for People Who Hate People

Author: Jamison Vann
Source: Huffington Post

Effective networking is a skill that every professional should attempt to improve on. Talking with strangers and making quick connections may come easily to some people but prove to be quite difficult for others.

Unfortunately, I fall into that ‘other’ category…

I will be the first to admit that I have a hard time talking to people when I first meet them. No, I don’t necessarily hate people, it’s just that I would rather sit back and observe the scene first. Although this type of behavior might be acceptable at social gatherings, business functions are not the place to be a wallflower.

Get to Know Your Colleagues to Make More Money

Author: Donna Svei
Source: AvidCareerist

Savvy salespeople know that their current customers are their best source of future sales and their best way to make more money.

6 Ways To Own Your Next Networking Event

Author: Michelle Riklan
Source: Careerealism

The ever-important networking event. Some people love them. Others hate them. No matter how you feel about them, it is hard to ignore their value. Regardless of what line of work someone is in, being able to get out and talk to new people and make connections is valuable. For a lot of people, networking events can generate leads or new business opportunities. Others are able to find new employment or opportunities to collaborate. Most importantly, networking events allow participants to get to know people within a community; whether it be a geographic community (e.g., regional chamber of commerce) or a community of practice (e.g., a meeting of a professional or trade organization).

While different people may have different motivations for attending a networking event, one thing is for sure, everyone wants to make a good impression. It is possible to be memorable for the wrong reasons. Making a good, memorable impression at a networking event can pay dividends in both the short- and long-run.

Weekend Planner: December 4

You work hard, and you deserve a fun and relaxing weekend before heading back to the office on Monday. Luckily, this is the San Francisco Bay Area, and there is always something going on! Welcome to Weekend Planner, your weekend update on fun.

Every Friday we put together a list of the weekend events we think look most interesting and provide them here. Keep in mind there is always a lot more going on, and all it takes is a little digging to find something that will be the perfect activity for you.

Click on any of the event titles for a link to the event.