Networking, especially when you’re a recent grad or entry level employee, can feel overwhelming. “Where do I start?” “Do I even have a network?” “What if I embarrass myself?” Listen, I’ve been there and I totally get it. That’s where these 4 business networking resources come in.
This list covers professional networking sites and personal networking. It also has tips to find the network you already have and use it to add more connections!
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Alright, let’s dive into our other must try business networking resources!
I’ll start with the most obvious professional networking site: LinkedIn. I know, it’s probably not your fav thing to use- it’s definitely not mine. Which is why I want you to know: LinkedIn is not the only online networking resource. Yeah, it’s the most famous, but there are plenty of other ways to network online too.
If you want to start on LinkedIn, I get it. Here are my tips for using LinkedIn as one of your networking resources:
- Use a professional profile pic- headshots only!
- Infuse your passion and goals into your headline and summary
- Join and be active in groups related to your field, education, and experiences
- Endorse skills for people you know (truthfully) and they’ll endorse you back
- Use it as a way to connect with others!
Alright, that’s my flash training on LinkedIn. Now that you know how to get started over there, let’s talk about other, more fun networking resources!
Social Media
YES, you can use other social media as professional networking sites! You can use Facebook, Instagram, and even Tik Tok to network!
Facebook groups
I know you might not be spending much time on Facebook, but it’s still a great way to find a group of like-minded people.
Facebook groups have transformed from “this is for people who find the same meme funny” into “This is a place for people to connect with others like them.”
So, hop onto Facebook and search for a few groups related to your field and interests. Then, post in them, make connections, and reach out in DMs too. This is a great way to meet new people and expand your network!
Tik Tok & Instagram
“There’s no way I can use that weird dance app to network” -you, probably just now when you saw “Tik Tok” on this list. Hear me out!
Tik Tok and Instagram aren’t just for dancing and socializing- they’re both spaces where you can learn and connect with new people.
For example, I’ve seen a lot of Tik Toks with people showing off their cool careers. So far, I’ve spotted a professional model, high fashion stylist, concert photographer, and sports videographer all showing off their career journeys. When you see a video like that and think “Wow, I’d love that job,” I want you to know it’s not impossible!
If you spot an influencer or Tik Tokker with a job you’re dreaming of, you can network with them by finding their email in their bio or website, sending a professional outreach email, and asking to schedule an informational interview.
If they’re into it, hop on the phone with them and ask about their career journey. After that, you’ve officially added someone to your network! Keep in touch and see where things lead!
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MeetUp
This is another one of my favorite professional networking sites: MeetUp. It’s a place for people with similar interests to connect and, well, meet up!
To start, explore the site and search for groups that fit your career interests. Ask to join, then connect with other members and learn more about their journeys! Once you learn more about each other, you’ll be able to ask them for favors or new connections.
See? Online networking doesn’t have to only take place on LinkedIn- and it can even be fun. Meeting new people and hearing about their journeys can be exciting, educational, and invigorating!
Alumni directory- the hidden gem of professional networking sites
Alright, let’s move on to another one of my favorite networking resources: alumni directories.
Your college probably has one, and hopefully it’s online. If it is, then it’s a goldmine for your network! Why?
Successful alumni want to help other people from their school. They want to see you succeed and, well, be a small part of that success. It’s fun for them to help recent grads and entry level employees, so they’ll be excited to hear from you!
Are online job apps making your career sour? The key to candy coating your career is networking! In this FREE workshop, I’ll teach you how to ditch your resume & grow the best resource you have as a job seeker: your network!80% OF JOBS ARE ON THE HIDDEN MARKET—
LEARN HOW TO FIND THEM IN THIS FREE WORKSHOP
Look around your school’s alumni directory and see who’s on there. Maybe an alum from your school works for your dream company or in a job you’d absolutely adore. If so, reach out and schedule an informational interview with them!
You can also look for alumni from your high school, athletic teams, Greek orgs, and more! They will want to help you- I promise!
People
This is your number 1, most valuable networking resource: the people already in your network. I know, I know you might be thinking, “Olivia, I don’t have a network! That’s why I’m here!!”
Listen closely: you do have a network. You might call them friends, family, and classmates right now, but they’re your network too. Reach out to the people in your life and ask if they have any connections in the field, company, or city you’re interested in. You never know where these connections can lead, so say yes to every opportunity you can! Maybe your uncle’s best friend’s daughter’s roommate works for your dream company- you won’t find out until you ask!
Here’s a list of people already in your network you can reach out to:
- Family members
- Employers and coworkers (past/present)
- Former classmates
- Professional association members
- Friends
- Families of close friends
- Former professors
Ask your network, however small it is, to share their network with you. Using people who already know you and care about your success is the best way to expand your network. They want to help you, so don’t shy away from asking for connections.
Remember, the best professional networking resource is the one you already have: your network.
Growing your network can be intimidating, but it doesn’t have to stay that way. These professional networking resources are the best tools to grow your network. First, make sure you’re signed up for my free training on networking with confidence. Then, use LinkedIn and other social media sites (including Tik Tok and Instagram) to find new connections. You can also try online alumni directories from your school and professional orgs. Finally, the best networking resource you have is your network. Reach out to people close to you and ask for relevant connections.
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