Learn how to network for career growth by finding the right type of networking event and developing authentic and nurturing relationships.
You know networking plays a major role in the success of your career, but why do you hate the thought of it? Most people associate networking with being salesy, inauthentic, awkward, and annoying. Networking creates an unparalleled level of discomfort that most people have a hard time forcing themselves into, no matter how great the benefits.
But it doesn’t have to be that way. By playing to your strengths and finding the type of networking that feels most natural, you can develop, build, and maintain the relationships you need to direct your career trajectory—authentically.
Let’s take a look at five different types of networking that will develop authentic, nurturing, and lasting relationships to help you impact the sports world and get exactly what you want out of your career.
Set up a brain-picking session
Informal interviews are a great way to create connections with others in an authentic, non-salesy way. By setting aside time for an informal conversation, you communicate genuine care and interest while also exploring ways you can learn from their experience.
Don’t be generic. A quick Google search can tell you all the public information you need to know about them. Then go beyond that. Think about struggles you might be having in your current position or challenges around advancement, and ask them for guidance. What advice would they give to someone in your situation? What do they wish they might have known in the past that they can pass off to you?
If you are having a hard time figuring out what you want next out of your career, informal interviews are a great way to begin research toward your next steps and build your network at the same time. (I also have a free resource guide download to help you explore what’s next.)
People want to nurture and coach the next generation coming behind them. Reaching out to share wisdom gained is genuine, sincere, and still considered networking.
Sharing best practices
Do you ever wonder how other people are doing a similar role to yours in a different organization? All you have to do is ask.
Connecting with industry counterparts and sharing best practices allows you to see how individuals are doing the same jobs differently—and sometimes with better results. Ask how special events worked or what they might do differently next time and chances are you’ll woo them with your interest and attention.
Next time you take a trip, reach out to your industry counterpart in that city and set up a meeting or schedule a virtual coffee date. The important part is to create a connection and grow in your position right now! Future you will thank you for it.
Networking events and conferences
In 2020, in-person networking events and conferences were non-existent, but there will be a time in the future that we have to trade in our sweatpants and webinars for work clothes and conversations with real-live people. What do we do then?
As an introvert, I understand the struggle, but making the most out of in-person events starts with the simple act of introducing yourself. Have a goal of connecting with a certain number of people before you go in, and just go up and say hi.
People can tell if your agenda is self-serving, so approach your interactions with a spirit of connection and learning. When you allow people to talk about themselves, it’s natural that they reciprocate. That’s the time to let them know what you are working on and what your needs are.
You’ve made a new connection, conquered an inner hurdle, and expanded your network!
Exploring external industries
Conversations within an organization can become insular. Without a different perspective, creating growth and effecting lasting change can be challenging. There are new, innovative ideas happening all around you.
With a store on every corner, how does Starbucks recruit employees? What internal structures does Nordstrom have in place to ensure their infamous customer service standards? By finding out what non-related industries are doing to excel and adapting their successes to your model, you create innovative ideas within your industry.
Great ideas are everywhere. Reach out and connect with the thought leaders in other industries to grow your network and create an impact on your team.
Get inside your organization
Being the new kid in the office is hard, but it’s also a great opportunity. Set aside 15-20 minute meetings with people you’re working with immediately after starting your position. You need them to be able to do your job, but you also need to understand who does what within the organization. And if you’re not new in a job, setting up conversations with new team members is a great practice to help them feel welcome.
After you’ve been in your position for a while, it’s easy to become complacent and feel like you know everyone. Staying on your game by creating a strategy around meeting new people and expanding your network is extremely important and doesn’t stop after you know your immediate team.
Challenge yourself to reach out and meet new people in your organization once a month. Understanding your role in the whole can give you new ideas about directions you might want to grow or take your career, AND you’ll know the people who can help get you there.
Networking can be challenging, no matter how confident you are. But your self-doubt and insecurities around putting yourself out there are stopping you from having the career and connections you want and deserve.
Changing your mindset away from salesy agendas and forced interactions towards authenticity will help you realize that networking is about learning from others. Through those connections and shared ideas, gain knowledge through the experiences of others while creating more options for yourself and your career.
