They say 'it's all about who you know.' I do think that contacts can make a difference in your career. As much as I consider myself a pretty well-grounded professional, I've never been too passionate about networking events.
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I got to meet my most valuable professional contacts -who, by the way, have become friends or even close friends- in job interviews, business meetings, former jobs, casual/random encounters or by common friends.
They also say that 'practice makes perfect.' Maybe it's just a matter of just attending to those events and proof to myself that I can do it.
How about you, guys? Are you good at networking? Where did you get to meet your 'most valuable' professional contacts?
I am terrible at networking. Such events make me cringe so I tried to avoid them at all costs!
ReplyDeleteI need to get better at it to be honest, I need to get some business cards made as well. It's a must :) x
ReplyDeleteI think of "networking" as a necessary evil...... it's a lot of "work" to go to these events, be engaged and make conversation. I have a hard enough time remembering names! I'm not working in the professional arena right now but I find even as a stay-at-home mom.... I need to network to make connections and friends.
ReplyDeleteI am so bad at networking. Especially work-related. I'll talk to people about kids, dogs, crafts, etc., but when it comes to trying to get out there and get work projects, not so much.
ReplyDeleteI hate networking events, haven't been to any in years.. I am not good at talking about my work especially in person. I have yet to meet my most valuable contact..
ReplyDeleteI am great at networking online - via Linkedin, Twitter, and other social media. But in person, I am very shy so I really have to push myself to be comfortable in a social setting. I try, and I think I'm getting better!
ReplyDeleteHi Elsa! Stopping by from your lovely comment on my post at G&G! :) I'm honestly a millllion times better at networking online than I am in person. I need to get over my shy ways so I can learn to network more! In general though I network best when I meet other people through close connections, rather than just a random conference. At least then, I have something definitely in common with them!
ReplyDeleteEvani
simplyevani@gmail.com
I love conferences but haven't been to one in ages. I'm so eager to finally go to Alt Summit next year :)
ReplyDeleteNetworking is key to everything...in business. I have to force myself sometimes but it always pays off.
ReplyDeletei wish i was better at networking, i can say that much.... definitely agree, it is invaluable and you learn so much!
ReplyDeletehttp://dallianceswithsuitsandskirts.blogspot.com/
I'm really good at networking, but I can't enjoy it, even when I learn a lot and it certainly pays, I feel like drained after these events, and my face hurts because of the perpetual frozen smile required!
ReplyDeleteBig hugs, dear Elsa!
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