How to: Network, Genuinely
Networking is the key to finding jobs and successfully competing. This article will discuss: why network, how to grow your network and discuss the importance of being genuine (because being your true self will matter in your life!).
Why Network?
According to Statistics Canada’s Labour Force Survey, December 2021, “employment rose by 55,000 (+0.3%) in December … [and] full-time employment rose by 123,000 (+0.8%), while part-time employment declined by 68,000 (-1.9%)”
What does this mean? There are more positions being hired, with the biggest gains in Ontario and Saskatchewan. The hidden job market is where the majority of hiring takes place - meaning jobs are filled by people who know people OR jobs are created for excellent candidates. You too can be one of the people who know people or, better yet, have a position created because you are awesome.
Networking allows you to:
Compete - When you know a company/team has a need they need filled, you can position yourself to be the solution.
Network - you can reach out to people to learn more and be ahead of the job ad.
Lesson: people trust their network! If you come from the network, it means you have been vouched for and so there is a level of trust built in.
The takeaway from this lesson is that the majority of jobs are given to people, who know people. If you are new to Canada, a recent graduate or taking your career into your own hands for the first time - this blog is for you. This blog will give you the tools to build your own network and grow your professional social circle.
How to Grow Your Network
Luckily there are so many ways to grow your network! And it can be done at any time in your career. All you need to do is try!
Here are four ways to grow your network:
Participate in clubs or volunteer opportunities at work.
Examples are United Way campaigns or Toast Masters
Often you will meet colleagues from other departments, teams or locations. Not only will you have the opportunity to meet some really fun and interesting people, but you will also get to know more about your company/industry through their perspective.
Joining a professional club will give you access to a pool of people who are interested in your field. Examples could be an alumni club, or a professional association.
Attend social events - after work social events are a great way to meet others in a low stress environment. Go to social events and be social!
After-work drinks? Attend! Even if you don’t drink (there is no reason you must order alcohol), you should make an appearance to say hi. This, and other low key non-work scenarios, is where team building happens and people get to know one another.
Perhaps bars are not your scene, you can pitch your own event! Examples: Every Thursday lunch club, a monthly driving range excursion or an escape room. Join the social committee and make things happen!
Attend conferences
Submit your name to attend a conference as a professional development opportunity.
Get really noticed by attending conferences as a speaker - share your latest project and lesson learned with others who are in your industry.
Low on funds? You can attend conferences by volunteering at them too. This option gives access in exchange for volunteering your time (at the registration desk, assembling welcome kits, etc).
Reach out to people who you work with on projects
When you work with people from a different team, location or company, that’s an opportunity to show your skills to a new audience. Get to know the people you work with - you may find that you love working with certain folks and not so much with others.
Lesson: show up! Grow your network by being your authentic and best self who is engaged in learning more about your field, industry and people who you interact with.
Be Genuine
It’s important to remember that networking isn’t “schmoozing”, it IS about being genuine. People are at the heart of it - that is what business and quite frankly, life, is all about.
Specifically, it is about getting to know people for who they are and showing up as your authentic self. Approach networking as a way to meet potential new friends. Here are few ways to do that:
Time - you will have to put time into social events, projects and getting to know new people
Frequency - frequency is on your side; the more regularly you meet people the more opportunity you’ll have to get to know them
Vulnerability - be honest and open about who you are. You may find they reciprocate and what will that lead to? A new connection!
Be Professional - remember that the people you are meeting are part of your work life! This means keep things professional. You can share who you are, but keep the reasons you think your last relationship didn’t work out to yourself.
Networking is critical in any career, yours included. Don’t just take it from me, reach out to your family and friends and ask them about it! How have they networked? How did it help? Or you can reach out to me, for a more established and focused approach catered to you.
And remember … Do your best and have fun!
