Gren Invest: Building Bridges Through Professional Networking
Networking is about establishing and cultivating long-term, mutually beneficial relationships with the people you meet, whether you’re waiting in line at a brick-and-mortar store or online. It’s the art of connection, a powerful habit that creates doors for new opportunities and collaborations as well as shared resources. So much more than the simple act of getting other people’s contact information, great business networking involves building a real relationship with someone you meet in person and providing knowledgeable insights that clearly fulfill their specific needs. It’s a potent engine for innovation, whether you are trying to find a new role or launching a startup or seeking expert guidance. Here at Gren Invest, we are dedicated and ready to assist you on this critical journey, getting you the techniques and resources needed for a strong professional network surrounding your business. We believe a strong networker is a successful professional, and it’s our mission to provide concrete advice for everyone from the student just starting their career to the seasoned executive hoping to grow further in power or influence.
The pathway to developing a network sometimes seems daunting, since it involves a combination of social gatherings and virtual platforms, with attendant personal interactions. The key principles are out there however for everyone. Success starts with a well-defined brand based upon your career goals, industry and personal style. Whether you are looking to be mentored, hire a mentor or both - this group is for you 2. Aspiring Coaches/Consultants Are you aspiring member of the coaching and consulting community? The goals you set will drive your method. And one basic principle would seem to be authenticity; people tend to seek out need, not a transactional pitch. It’s moving from “What can I get?” to "What can I give?". Another important mantra is quality over quantity. Rather, a few strong relationships are worth more than having tens of hundreds of weak ones. Through investing in actual relationships, you’ll develop a strong network of supportive individuals which will carry you through your career and can deliver tremendous personal and professional fulfillment in the long run.
It takes a lot energy, patience and consistency to become very good at networking. It involves a set of conscious decisions that are strategically driven rather than based on social and circumstantial forces. It’s important to develop your communication skills, master the art of asking good questions and practice being an effective listener. Just as important is knowing how to communicate your value proposition and professional narrative. We break these challenging skills down into simple-to-understand concepts exploring how to communicate assertively, find leads, maintain momentum to get you started. We enable you to feel confident approaching new people, caring for your network and turning connections into enduring professional relationships. Come through to hone your game, deepen your understanding and get clear AF on how to build a network that’s worth your dreams.
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Getting beyond the anxiety of networking begins with a mental adjustment and some strategic preparation. Instead of seeing things as a test for your social abilities, see them as possibilities for real conversations. Start by having small, realistic goals for yourself even speaking to two or three new people can be one of them. Prepare a couple of open-ended questions ahead of time to get the conversations started, such as “What made you want to go into this field?” or"“What’s the coolest project you’ve worked on lately?. Concentrate not on what you will say but the listening. This removes the pressure from you and shows you genuinely are interested. Just keep it real, it’s not about how many open (skin deep) exchanges: quality over quantity. Practice in lower-stakes situations to build confidence over time.
The best way to successfully follow up with a contact post-meetup involves being timely, personal and professional. Ideally, you want to send out a follow-up message within 24 to 48 hours while the conversation is fresh in your minds. A personalized note in an email or a LinkedIn connection request is best. If you mention a particular topic of conversation, they’ll already have something to go off when you reciprocate. (“I had been meaning to ask you what your thoughts were on the future of AI in marketing.”) Resell the benefits to you of continuing this conversation, and possibly propose an action item." That might be passing along an interesting article, connecting them to someone in your network, or suggesting a short coffee chat to further the conversation. The idea is to cultivate the new relationship, not to ask for something right there.
Creating a robust professional network online, especially on services such as LinkedIn, takes effort and deliberate action. First and foremost, make sure that your profile is complete, professional, and states in no uncertain terms what you can do for a career and with your skills. Don’t just accumulate contacts; curate them by sending customized requests that explain why you’d like to connect. Connect with the content of your network by liking, and thoughtful comments and sharing posts. It adds to your visibility and builds your professional persona. You can also share your own useful content providing industry insights, project news or support articles. Get involved in those industry groups that matter, hearing from your peers and thought leaders. Small, regular efforts make the difference Building momentum through a few hours per week of these activities will take your much further than waiting to have 6 months to dedicate full-time.
Networking and mentorship go hand in hand but they are not the same thing. Networking is the overall idea of creating a vast spiderweb of professional connections for mutual benefit through exchange of information, support and opportunities. From casual conversations to strategic alliances. Contrary to coaching, mentorship is a more concentrated relationship, one in which a more seasoned person (the mentor) provides guidance, advice and support for someone less experienced (the mentee). A mentor can certainly be someone you get to know through your personal network; the essence of mentoring is a long-term investment in personal and professional development. Networking creates your community, mentorship offers individual guidance within that community. Both are critical for well-rounded professional development and job success in the long run regardless of field.
When it comes to networking effectively for the introverted, playing to their strengths is key: listening, observing and creating meaningful one-on-one connections. Rather than trying to take over group conversations, strive for meaningful one-on-one interactions. Opt for smaller, targeted networking events or workshops instead of big, unstructured mixers. Do some research, if possible, and pick a few people you’re actually excited about meeting. This at least makes me try harder to initiate conversations. Use your listening skills to ask thoughtful questions and gain a deep understanding of the other person’s perspective. After an event, take the conversation further by following up personally. Digital networking on platforms like LinkedIn is also an easier point of entry, where you can take your time to craft thoughtful messages before reaching out directly to new contacts.
An informational interview is a powerful networking strategy for connecting with professionals to gather career, industry or company information. The goal here is not to ask for a job, but insights and advice. To execute one, you identify someone practicing in a field or serving in a role that is interesting to you and send him or her a polite, professional request for a short chat. During the meeting, get ready questions to ask about their career path, skills required for success, challenges faced in the industry and tips for someone getting started. It’s a chance to get some on-the-ground experience, widen your professional networks and see a bit about what your future career could be like. It also leaves a lasting impression, and may result in follow-up projects or referrals.
A professional network is hard work - and fun! It’s about cultivating relationships rather than turning them on when you want something. A nice idea is to "reach out to" your connections every once in a while. This need not be anything extravagant send them a holiday card, forward an article you think they’d find interesting, or congratulate them on a recent accomplishment you noticed on LinkedIn. “Give help without being asked; if there’s something, a resource or connection that may be useful for someone in your network, introduce them. The reciprocity principle is crucial. Just by regularly diffusing value and making it a point to be on their radar in a positive, non-intrusive way you nurture your relationships over time so that they are strong and mutually beneficial for years to come, laying the groundwork for professional allies.
A successful networking plan involves networking within AND out of the industry you are in today. It is essential to network with other professionals in your industry so you can keep up with the latest trends, learn about job opportunities, and collectively address sector-related concerns. These are the connections that shape your professional foundation. But you shouldn't ignore networking in other industries because it fosters innovation and keeps a wide perspective. Outside connections can expose you to fresh ideas, alternative business models and innovative solutions that you may not otherwise come across. They can also serve as the key to unexpected collaborations or career shifts. A broad network allows you to be more flexible and resourceful, so it is beneficial to spend time in cultivating a variety of relationships within multiple areas for a fulsome development.
Authenticity is the foundation of effective networking in the long term. It means interacting with others as your true self, truly curious and willing to establish a rapport grounded in mutual respect and common interests. We sense, fast, when someone is being transactional or insincere which erodes trust and prohibits the construction on an authentic bond. And when you are authentic, you forge more durable and meaningful relationships. You don’t have to think about putting up some kind of front, just concentrate on your area of strength and interest. Share your interests and be honest about what you are learning. Not only does this approach reduce the stress of networking but it also brings people into your orbit who get on with who you really are and reinforces deeper more supportive professional connections.
Leveraging social media for professional networking is more than setting up a profile. Engage in meaningful discussion within your area of expertise on social media, whether on platforms like LinkedIn or through sharing content that showcases you’re an expert at what you do. Follow companies or thought leaders you admire and comment on their posts to attract attention. Engage in real-time discussions with Trainee Twitter discussions are used to live-Tweet specially designed to trigger on-the-spot revelations and engage you during the program. The idea is to make the online marketplace better rather than self-promote. Tailor your connection requests with a comment about a shared passion or something they have recently posted. Through frequent participation in the discussions and presenting yourself as a knowledgeable, helpful professional, before you know it you’ll have a healthy digital network to supplement your real-world networking and opportunities.
Pivotal Principles for Effective Networking
Rising through the networking ranks requires you to take a step back and focus on yourself specifically, perfecting your personal brand as well as knowing self-awareness in terms of career goals. Before you even show up to the first meeting or request a connect, you need to know what you’re trying to accomplish. Are you looking for a mentor, considering a career shift, or want to receive leads for your organization? Your goals will determine your approach to events and even the people you hope to meet. This clarity is your rudder in the storm. Just as important is being able to articulate who you are, what you do and why this makes a difference in a compelling manner. This isn’t a mere “elevator pitch; it’s a story through which you can express your passion and expertise. Purposeful, consistent plans are your defense against aimless interactions. It makes sure each and every time you meet a new or old contact that the interaction serves your bigger picture professional trajectory by making random encounters strategic.
Curiosity and give-and-take are what make a professional relationship strong. The best way to network is to get over your need to self-promote and become genuinely interested in other people. That means getting beyond small talk and listening carefully so that we might know what is difficult, exciting or inspiring to them. When you show a genuine interest to get to know someone, there is no faster way to build trust and rapport your currency for building a rock-solid network. The best networkers work form a “give first” perspective. They are always searching for a way to assist their (#2) contacts, be it offering them a helpful piece of advice, connecting them to an important contact, or sharing one of your valuable resources with nothing expected in return. This positions you as a worthwhile and credible center of influence. Over time, this generosity sows the seeds of a powerful reciprocal support system in which endless opportunities and various forms of hand-holding start coming your way without even any soliciting, for you’ve worked to establish yourself into an authentic and solid wingman.
Consistency and persistence are the two engines that propel successful networking. A relationship formed is but a chance; a relationship nurtured is an asset. The opening dialogue is only the beginning. The real work starts afterward with thoughtful, timely follow-up. A custom email or LinkedIn message that recalls your conversation and proposes what to do next is an act of professionalism and intent. Sustaining those dynamics over the long haul involves a lot of discipline. Even a basic CRM or spreadsheet can help you stay organized with your contacts, scheduling regular check-ins. A recognition of a work anniversary, a sharing of an article you think the other person might find interesting or just saying hello to anyone you haven’t reached out to in a while can keep those connections warm. This consistent effort to maintain the health of your relationships will keep your network growing, useful and active. It's what will turn a stack of business cards, into a powerful network of supporters, peers and mentors that you will be able to tap into for the duration of your professional life.