5 networking tips

Networking has become a skill that must be mastered to enhance and prepare yourself for future career advances. However, according to Penelope Trunk, networking doesn't have to be a daunting task.

Trunk claims that "today's careers are made and broken by one's ability to network." In the article, The Brazen Careerist, she gives five reasons why networking can be a handy and useful tool.

#1: You dont have to be a manipulator.

As a practicer of PR we can find it useful to network in a sense that we can find out what people need and if we can assist them. People who are poor at networking often think you have to manipulate people to get what you want. These are the same people who often fail at office politics because they fail to understand that office politics is about being nice. Networking can be viewed as helping to add value to others lives.

#2: Dont think you have to be clever of funny.

Networking is again about finding what othesrs need and if you can help. So when it comes time to network you dont need a clever line, really you just need to be nice. You can be brilliant..but unappraochable, funny...but overwhelming, so just being nice helps say "I am a good listener and I am safe to talk to." This approach can be extremely useful while networking. Many people work to find a connection between other people, you can be that person that everyone thought was respectful, reliant and polite. Asking others open-ended questions will help you realize what other people are interested in.

#3: You don't have to network when your job-hunting.

Networking is something you do when you're feeling great about your work. After all, who wants to network with someone who either hates her job or doesn't have one? When networking you can search for friends...not like 2500 Myspace friends, but a small group that you can rely on or discuss ideas and interests with. These people will have other people in their network, and if a time comes that you do need a job, these people can help guide you.

#4: You don't always have to be agreeable.

Working to make a connection is important, but like any relationship there will be topics and issues where you dont agree. Discussing them is fine, but its how you treat the disagreement and continue working on the friendship.

#5: You don't have to get off the sofa.

Blogging; an incredible effective and efficient networking tool for professionals. Blogging is a way to connect with people who would most likely ignore you. For example, companies like Yahoo! and Sun have thousands of blogging employees, and CEOs of small startups often blog as well.

Liz Strauss explains on The Blog Herald that many bloggers focus primarily on building relationships. So find people you admire who blog, and start reading their blog every day. Leave intelligent comments. Most bloggers know the people who leave thoughtful comments on a regular basis. And bloggers like to help people in their blog community.

So as Trunk has described for us, networking does not have to be a scary task. It is a opportunity in which we can build friends while relaxing on the sofa. Sounds like fun.