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George E. Casey, Jr.
Updated: May 31, 2021
Work for ME 2021 — How To
Kick start your career with 5 networking skills
By George Casey
You are ready to begin a career. But how do you begin the journey? Almost always, the first step involves a connection to someone who is willing to give you a chance. They see a spark in you. An interest. Maybe an image of themselves when they were your age.
Always it involves a network. So, the question is, How do I learn how to create a network that will help me succeed on my career journey by connecting me to those who might hire or help me?
Here are five skills that you should have to build a great network.
1. Face to face, in-person connections are always important
How you look, speak, listen, and ask questions. How you relate to others in the real world will be the most important factor. Virtual may be easy, but in-person is more powerful. Rarely is a hiring decision made without some level of in-person meeting. In this world, how you dress and how you groom has impact. Know what people in that vocation look like and dress like and dress and groom just a tiny notch better.
2. An online presence helps
Create a LinkedIn profile, even if you are still a student. Again, a clean picture and a quick summary of what you have done and know how to do and what you would like to do. Look at the LinkedIn profiles of some people you might know and you will get the idea. Subscribe to interest groups on LinkedIn and connect with others. Many companies use services to scour LinkedIn profiles to find people to speak with. Not a substitute for the face to face, but it will help to get you in a door.
3. Learn to speak with confidence and with correct grammar
The ability to communicate effectively is a skill that has to be developed. Talk to any executive and they will tell you that the ability to communicate professionally and effectively is the skill they value most. Companies can teach you technical skills, but the ability to communicate is your responsibility. Toastmasters have great programs for late teens and twenty-somethings that help you be able to speak with confidence. It would be one of the best investments in your career you could make. It is also a network of its own.
4. Practice in person
The ability to network involves getting out of our shell. And that takes practice, which means that at times you mess up. Mainebiz events, clubs, church groups, arts organizations, softball leagues and bar scenes are all opportunities to create a network. Practice going up and saying: “Hi, I’m [your name]. Nice to meet you.” “Where are you from?” The conversation will start. “What do you do?” “Where did you go to school?” and other surface questions are great opportunities to get to know someone. Don’t be afraid to let the person know what you are looking to do or what you are interested in. Ask if it would be OK to connect on LinkedIn. Ask, “Is there anything I could do to help you?” You will be amazed by the response.
5. Keep the connections alive
Check in. Have a beer together. Invite people to a party. Always ask if there is anything you could do to help them. The offer of help will open the door for you asking them for help in a connection or a job referral one day. You also will find a whole new group of friends for life out there.
George E. Casey, Jr., is president and CEO of Stockbridge Associates LLC, chairman of the Housing Innovation Alliance and chair of three Vistage peer advisory boards for CEOs, owners and senior executives in the Portland area. He can be reached at gcasey@stockbridgeassoc.com.
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