As a Training Manager you are probably a familiar face to many employees at your company, but are you networking outside of your company to improve your interpersonal skills, relationships and create a network for yourself and your company. Here are 10 helpful hints to networking yourself and your company.
1. Networking is misused. Learn and develop an open-minded approach to networking and it can change your life - not just your work life, but your entire life.
2. Networking is an attitude, an approach to life. It's not just a "thing to do".
3. The secret to successful networking is not what you do, but how you do it. The secret is to tap into resources that already exist, both inside and outside of you.
4. Networking is a reciprocal process, build and sustain respectful relationships. Gather and give information.
5. Savvy people know the fundamental importance of networking. Begin building your network now. If you are currently looking for a job, then so be it. Begin networking now. Never stop.
6. Always be on the lookout of how you can help someone else. This spirit of giving, with nothing expected in return, is very powerful. Good deeds always come back around.
7. Understand your own values and the principles you live by. Read “The Seven Habits of Highly Effective People” by Stephen Covey.
8. Set your GOALS. What do you want in life, How does work fit into that, and what are concrete examples of your talents and skills.
9. Create and practice a 30 second commercial of yourself that is simple, clear and has a human touch.
10. Research networking! There are tons of books and websites dedicated to the process of networking. Learn more about it. Then get out there and use it. Career Related Groups, Charity Organizations, and Community Events are great places to start trying out your networking skills.
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1 comment:
I have one criticism of this post: the great content is for more people than training managers.
I'm a technical writer, and networking is as important to me as to trainers, bankers, scientists, and many others. Networking is a task, chore, activity, requirement that most of us think we should do. I'll bet many of us share the same thought: I've tried it, and I can't figure out if it works.
MaryEllen's recommendations are easy to follow and friendly. Hers is the first list that feels comfortable and "doable." Her recommendations don't build unnecessary expectations or fears. Somehow, many of the "networking experts" suggest that a good networker arrives at an event or meets a contact, and with but a few magical waves of the hand, turns the experience into a million dollar miracle.
MaryEllen suggest that if we just keeping giving without expecting a return, good things happen. I agree. Although, I try to keep my networking focused around categories such as technical writing or offering coworkers helpful suggestions, which indicate that I'm a reliable source.
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