5 Ways to Expand Your Definition of Networking and Ensure You Enjoy it More!  

From the time you even think about starting your career path, to your first days as a young professional and beyond, the importance of networking is made clear by friends, family members, co-workers, and peers: networking not only provides new advancement opportunities, but social inclusion in a professional circle and a support system to lean on for advice and guidance.

But how to start? As a somewhat reserved person, for me, networking always seemed like a daunting task. What did I have to offer the people I would meet? What groups should I go to? How involved should I be?

Over time I’ve learned that the most important aspect to networking is to create some parameters for yourself and to align your networking goals with your passions and interests. Here are some guidelines I have developed for myself as I navigate networking as a young professional:

Find a Group That Interests You
Maybe it would look great on a resumé to be a member of the Toastmasters, but if you aren’t interested in public speaking, it could be hard to dedicate your time and resources to going to all the meetings and writing speeches.

Network-Builder: Think about what aspects of your job and/or field you enjoy —  then find a group that aligns with those aspects. If you can’t find one, talk to peers and colleagues about starting a group. It is likely that there are other people who are interested as well and are just looking for someone to organize!

Look Outside your Profession
Professional groups are wonderful ways to meet people in your community and to make great connections, but they are by no means the only way to network.  I have met valuable connections through groups that share my hobbies, through social sports leagues, and through networking events for people in other careers.

Network-Builder: If you are an attorney interested in internet law, try going to an event for startups; if you’re a writer and keen on doing music reviews, go to an event for local musicians or booking agents.  Even if you don’t meet someone at these events who is directly in line with your interests, they might be able to get you in touch with someone who is.

Don’t Overlook Conferences
Conferences provide not only the opportunity to learn about new developments in your field, but also a number of networking opportunities. Larger conferences can provide opportunities outside your profession as well. This year I attended SXSW on behalf of my company and was able to not only connect with a wide variety of people, but also got to attend panels on topics that expanded my knowledge of areas in which I would like to be more involved.  Also, conferences are usually recurring, so it can also be the perfect chance to reconnect!

Network-Builder: Because everyone at an event is congregated for the same purpose, you have very good chances of meeting people who are looking to network — even outside of dedicated networking sessions – during stretches of time while you’re grabbing lunch, waiting for a panel to start, or in line for coffee.

Make a Higher Level of Commitment
It’s important to go to a lot of different networking events, but it can be even more significant to show a higher level of commitment to a group that really attracts your interest.

Network-Builder: This can be anything from helping out at events, to running for an officer position, or offering to give a talk on your area of expertise. It will help bring people to you by showing your capabilities and dedication to a specific aspect of your profession.

Be Open to Learning, and Ask!
As tempting as it is to pretend as if you already know everything about your profession and about what it’s like to be in your role, it is far more beneficial to admit your true level of knowledge and ask for advice! Advice is one of the best things you can get from networking and it is one of the easiest things for someone to give. I’ve found every person I’ve approached at a networking event to ask about their experience to have been incredibly friendly and willing to talk to me.

Network-Builder: This kind of interaction provides you with a way to meet more experienced people and gain more knowledge about your profession — and provides others with an easy way to help out and give back to their professional community!

These tips have helped me shape my networking experience into a more comfortable, enjoyable, and productive experience, but remember that there is no one way to go about it. Try different things to find what works best for you!