How to Network as a Young Professional

Young professionals, namely new graduates, are used to hearing about the importance of networking. But how can you network when you don't have any professional experience? Read on for tips on how to participate in networking as a young professional.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Resume
• Business Cards
• Email
• Phone

1. 
    

   Define your networking needs. As a freelance writer, I network with many web developers and graphic designers, because what I offer complements what they do. I've gotten many projects by simply being the only copywriter that's reached out to many designers. When they're in a pinch and a website that they've created needs content, for example, I'm the first person they call. If you're working for a corporation it's still wonderful to develop a network because you never know when it may come in handy. You may sell a product or offer a service and meet someone at a networking event and not hear from them for months and years--but if they know someone who needs that product or service, they'll likely remember you and pass along your contact information.
   
   Also decide what type of networking leads you want: Do you want to meet people in your own industry or are you better served by meeting professionals across all arenas? I like to meet a few fellow writers, but for getting work I network with people in all industries.
   
   Takeaway point: Networking is imperative for all professionals, because you never know where it can lead.

2. 
    

   Consider your existing network. Ping your relatives and friends to see if they know anyone who may be a valuable contact. Remember that networking is not looking for people to mentor you--that's something different--so it's a fantastic idea to ask those you know for people they think can help you build a network. This includes people in and out of your profession.
   
   Takeaway point: You can use people you already know on a personal level to build your professional network.

3. 
    

   Join networking groups. You don't have to join an expensive, professional association to make contacts. Attend seminars or join free groups. You will probably find a ton of professional networking groups just for young professionals in their 20s. Thanks to the Internet you can also find amazing networking avenues and activities that fit your schedule, all with the click of a mouse.
   
   Takeaway point: Join groups in person or online, or simply attend events where the types of people you want to meet are in attendance.

4. 
    

   Reach out. If you hear about someone that you'd like to know, approach him or her. I find plenty of interesting people on LinkedIn (see Resources below) that I want to connect with and simply send them a message letting them know I'd like to do just that, or simply add them to my professional network. Reach out and interact.
   
   Takeaway point: The personal approach goes a long way in building up your network. Don't be afraid to reach out to a good contact and let him or her know that you'd like to connect. You can simply add him or her to an online networking friend page or see if they would like to talk more.

Tips & Warnings

• Get a LinkedIn profile. This site is great for keeping tabs on old contacts and having your entire network at your fingertips. You can also search for older contacts and colleagues, and it's completely free.
• Don't try to network through any romantic networks. If it happens, great, but if you get too pushy it may seem like you've got an ulterior motive.

Resources

• LinkedIn

[oehlke]

on 6/7/2009 Great article!