Keys to Networking

More than 65% of people end up getting jobs through networking.

The hardest part of networking is your own internal resistance. Out of shyness, many people avoid going to networking events. With a little preparation, you can overcome your reluctance. Here are a couple of questions you should ask yourself before your next networking event:

What do you have to offer others? Take a few minutes to think about what your individual strengths and assets are. When you speak to people at networking events, it’s helpful to give everyone you meet an explanation of what you can do for them. When people understand what you have to offer, you’ve established a good starting point for future conversations. Knowing what your strengths are will also help you feel more confident.

Whom do you need to know to get where you want to go? Where can you find those people? With the tough economy, don’t hesitate to be out there meeting others—it’s a lot more productive than sitting behind a computer.