5 Networking Tips for New Grads

Your crash course in standing out from the crowd and making meaningful connections.

Drop the script. When networking, be spontaneous and genuine to show off the real you.

Networking: Some people love it, and others others hate it. There's no denying that it's an essential part of business and socialization. This is how meaningful relationships are formed with other people, whether they’re your clients, business partners, colleagues or even supervisors.

Interns who have transitioned into full-time positions and those who've taken on new roles often find themselves thrust into the world of networking without having a real skill set to make the introductions and develop connections.

College gave you a taste

From forums to mixers to organization-based events, many college graduates have had opportunities to fine-tune their networking skills. But while much of college networking is with fellow students or recent graduates, the mix of people in work settings will be much more diverse.

There's a right way to network. When connections are made at events, people want to feel like they're meeting others worth getting to know, who listen and who would be good fits for their businesses. Strong networking skills position someone as a good conversationalist, as opposed to someone who uses, manipulates or even attempts to “make a sale” at networking events.

Stand out by standing up

Networking events are not about the food. It's networking neophytes who can often be found with the hors d'oeuvres or drinks, quickly putting on that freshman 15. (In college, this was the 15 pounds gained by being a new student. To those new to a position or the world of networking, it’s the 15 pounds gained from all the gripping, grinning and grazing done at networking events.)

Moving around, meeting people and listening to and joining in on conversations is the order of business at a networking event. The focus is not the food or drink. If it is, then the event is not effective and has merely become an expensive place to snack.

In being more mobile, also make a decision on whether to have a drink or snack. Having both makes it too difficult to work the room and meet others. To be most effective, keep your right hand free to shake hands and accept business cards. Keeping a phone on hand can also prove challenging. It's best to keep your phone close in your pocket if mixing and mingling. Or consider keeping the phone in a small purse held close enough to the body that you're able to feel it vibrate or access it to make an introduction or share information.

Tip to be effective instead of efficient

Be efficient with things and effective with people. Maya Angelou once shared that people remember how you make them feel. The interaction with others becomes the basis for your relationship. Here are some tips to help you effectively network and connect with other people:

1. Be yourself.  Don’t attempt to be someone you’re not. People are a lot smarter these days, and no one likes talking to someone who appears fake. In networking situations, remember that people typically enjoy being informal and relaxed. It’s not necessary to have a script ready whenever people talk to you. What’s better is to be spontaneous and genuine.

Most people don’t really do business with just anybody – they only do so with people they really know and genuinely like. So be authentic, and show off who you really are. You may be surprised that you are able to connect in a more meaningful way with people.

2. Be friendly and approachable. The key to networking effectively is to be friendly. While you don't have to be the life of the party, it's important  to look approachable, introduce yourself to people andlisten attentively when someone speaks to you. When you make people feel heard and valued, they will flock to you.

3. Be interested in what other people are saying. Though you may be networking to increase your business contacts or clients, it shouldn’t always be about you. Listen, and appear genuinely interested in what the other person is saying. It’s also important to be able to briefly tell your story. The keyword is brief. The great thing about networking is engaging in two-way conversations with other people.

4. Think quality – not quantity. It may be true that the more people you know, the merrier you are. However, when it comes to networking, quality is more important than quantity. Knowing and connecting with the few right people is a lot more important than creating less meaningful relationships with dozens of people.

5. Reach out to someone you need to get to know better. Maintaining relationships is key to yourpersonal success. How often have we made a connection, developed it and then failed to nurture it?

Networking events are perfect opportunities to reach out to someone you know who might need to meet people at an event you’re attending. Do you have a plan for connecting with others? Do you know their goals, activities, interests and networks? Do you know what the next steps are in creating a deeper relationship with them?

Treat meetings with professionals as the beginnings of new relationships. Look for opportunities to connect more, get to know them and develop an even stronger relationship. Even if you don’t plan on trying to find a job, any contact with whom you develop a strong relationship will improve your business skills and the social network needed to be successful. 

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