Grow Your Career Through Connection

Utilize the 5 “C”s of Networking

In business, as in life, no man is an island. Opportunities are always presented with a human element, and figuring out how you can add and reap value in these situations is incredibly important in the evolution of your career. Opening your life up to more of these moments, and steering them towards success, is known as the art of networking.

Of course, it goes without saying, the term “networking” has taken on an entirely new meaning since the dawn of the tech age. Once all of the online social sites gained momentum, connection possibilities seemed unlimited. Networking value was measured by how many “friends” you had and the size of your online audience. But now, since the reality of social networking has sunk in and the novelty of being able to connect to nearly every human in the world via the internet has subsided, one theme has become apparent: quality over quantity.

Just like passing out your business card to every person in the room seems a little phony, so does mindlessly connecting with people online. Truly, it’s not how many people you know; it’s who you know. When it comes to investing your time into networking, face-to-face and online connections are equally as important, and the same tactics should be utilized to achieve success in each. Authenticity is the name of the networking game and establishing a connection through trust and likability is paramount to your personal business achievement.

When approaching your networking strategy, keep the 5 “C”s in mind: connect, communicate, converse, collaborate, and cultivate.

Connect

It seems obvious, but the first step to networking is developing connections. If you’re seeking connections online, choose your platform carefully. Seeking business opportunities over more personal platforms like Instagram or Facebook may rub people the wrong way. It’s best to pick a more credible website such as LinkedIn. While there are many sites trying to complete with it, LinkedIn is leagues ahead. LinkedIn’s design minimizes online social chatter and lets you focus on the main reason you’re there: business.

When using LinkedIn, make sure your profile is high quality, to the point, and proofread. It’s essentially a living resume, so ensuring that your impression comes off as professional is a must. Start by connecting with former colleagues, mentors, and classmates. Continue to grow your web of influence by posting meaningful and relevant content regarding your industry. It might be slower process than friending everyone you’ve ever spoken to once on Facebook, but remember the focus: quality.

Try out these same techniques when connecting in person. First of all, choose your venue carefully. Where you meet someone is an influential element of the first impression. If the situation does not call for the exchange of business cards, refrain from pulling yours out. Look for moments where you can add value by introducing yourself. This can be done casually and once you get the hang out of it, you will be more likely to spot the right times to introduce business into the conversation.

Communicate

Meeting someone once is not enough to bolster your networking abilities. Once you make the introduction, whether online or in person, you must follow up. When you first connect online, you need to provide some context regarding who you are and why you are connecting with them. Send them a quick message and introduce yourself. Keep it short and sweet. If they are interested in communicating, they will reciprocate.

In person, creating a communication channel can take a few more steps. Personal thank you cards are a great way to introduce yourself and your goals. Next time you enjoy an event, send the host a quick note of gratitude and include your business card. Try being the first one to reach out. When someone gives you their business card, shoot them an email to find out more about their services and begin to feel out where you could help each other.

Converse

Once communication is open, keep the conversation going. Business needs and goals are always evolving and changing so you never know when you might be talking to the right person at the right time. You may not have anything specific to address, but keeping your network in the loop in a tactful (not annoying) way to make sure they know they’re still on your radar. Online, this can be done with a quick, personalized email. Or, you can share a relevant business article with them. Online conversations tend to me more casual, which can be a good and bad thing. Make sure to keep the vibe authentic and personal without overstepping.

Keeping the conversation going in person can be difficult to do. One sure fire way to run into people in your network is to attend business events you know acquaintances in your network will be at. Put yourself in the way of conversation and prioritize those people you haven’t touched base with in awhile.

Collaborate

Before you go looking for benefits, see what benefits you can offer. Maybe you don’t provide the service they need, but someone else in your network does. Pass on that information. See if you can create synergy moments where the combined forces of your efforts exceed that which you could each do alone. Offer to sponsor events or give service recommendations. Adding value to a situation, even if it provides no business perks, is never a bad thing. After all, when it all boils down, business and opportunities are all about people and relationships.

Cultivate

If you feel like a connection has fulfilled its purpose of vice versa, don’t stop tending the relationship. Cultivate this important part of your networking web and keep expanding. For achieving this step online, reaching out and checking in on business projects and goals is a good way to show you’re still involved. Grow these business connections by hosting events yourself. Even low-key get-togethers to talk shop and drink a few beers can reaffirm connections. Invite the people in your network to get to know one another and solidify the authenticity and trust that you sought in the first place. Keeping these relationships strong will grow your business in a way that nothing else will. Networking is truly an art, and-when done well-will yield unrivaled fruits.