How to Network in 10 words or less

[JenWeiss]

/ˈnetwərkiNG/

noun

The action or process of interacting with others to exchange information and develop professional or social contacts.

Networking has always been a crucial part of building opportunities that allow you to land internships or jobs. Before, you would go to events or simply build relationships by chatting over coffee. With the world moving digitally networking has become limitless, allowing you to reach out to anyone and everyone around the world. 

It might sound a bit old school but, I still prefer to reach out directly and ask for a coffee chat.

☕️ My elevator pitch is short and sweet “Hey Oprah! Wanna grab a coffee or tea?"

What is your networking advice?

If you have one, in 10 words or less, what's your got to elevator pitch?

[jori]

Hi Jen, 

I like it, straight to the point!  

Mine is similar; Let's connect and see how we can help eachother.

Because a perfect pitch won't win them right away, once they know your name they'll check you out on social to decide from there.

Do you have any strategies that you use on social media to nurture relationships?

Kind regards,

Jori 

[SMishra8]

Just being brave enough to say "Hi!" goes a long way...

[Jnix284]

@SMishra8 YES!! 💯

Also, Hi! 😊

[EvanHamilton]

"I read your article/book/tweet and would love to get into it with you"

Flattery works, and this gives you a concrete thing to talk about (which you know they already care about) rather than a vague "pick your brain" session.

[KatieLambert]

echoing @jennysowyrda — when someone says "stay in touch" or "I'd be happy to help," take them at their word!

And then think of something specific that you genuinely want to know, rather than thinking of it as a way to a job or starting with "Tell me more about your career." It's possible that someone gets a lot of requests like this, and this takes the burden off of them for preparing.

Example (using myself!): "I saw that you have an English degree and moved into writing for tech companies. I would love to learn more about how you made that transition—I'm considering a similar path and would be grateful for your perspective. Would you have 15 minutes for a Zoom chat in the next few weeks?"

(The defined time commitment is also helpful.)

[Jnix284]

I don't have an elevator pitch per se, also an introvert and have found that listening first, then finding a way to be helpful is also a great way to network and meet new people.

If everyone is equipped with an elevator pitch, who is going to receive them?

I usually have an introduction handy and have small talk ready to go if needed, I have found that in 99% of situations I don't need more than that - the other person is ready to talk and I take it as an opportunity to learn more about them and prepare a better, personalized pitch if appropriate.

[jcolman]

I love this conversation! I'm a shy introvert and often have trouble networking. So the ideas and tips folks are sharing here are an amazing resource—I'm so grateful!

Since I have difficulty approaching people I don't already know, I've developed an inbound-powered networking style. Essentially, I try to understand the people I want to meet and create something of value to them first so that they're motivated to approach me. The most successful ways I've done this are with publishing and, especially, speaking.

This approach helps us avoid the "small talk" I'm so bad at and lets us dig straight into the key thing I can do for someone: "drive more customer and business value."

[JenWeiss]

Thank you so much for introducing yourselves to StudentSpot! 🤗

 ✨ I sense @sesmith , @rachelmuradyan , @RHamlin, and @bbaum all have amazing advice on Networking. For that reason can you share:

What is your networking advice?

If you have one, in 10 words or less, what's your go-to elevator pitch?

[RHamlin]

What is your networking advice?

• Put time into your existing work and social relationships

  • Say hello & celebrate your network's recent career updates and general post
• Keep your online presence up-to-date
  
  •  Your account should also show some recent signs of activity, preferably in your professional area. If you haven’t used your account for a while, it may be worth waiting a few weeks, and doing a bit of proactive tweeting and sharing during that time, just to boost your account activity.
• Keep it casual, and just have a conversation
  •  Networking is all about personal relationships
• Always say thank you! 

  • Everyone likes to be appreciated!

It's a bit over 10 words but here is my general elevator pitch: 

• I have over a decade's worth of experience in delivering high-value customer support. If your company/team is ever in need of an extra set of hands or insight, I'd be thrilled to partner with you.

[rachelmuradyan]

Networking, when used as a way to just sell (yourself), is not my strength. 

However, like @Jen, I use it as a connection tool. 

My short, but more than 10 words, elevator pitch always starts out with finding out something about them either beforehand or in the moment. 

Then, I dive in with a connection or area of common ground and a specific ask:

"Your Medium article about [sexism in the localization field] really resonated with me because of my interest/background in feminism and languages. I'd love to meet with you to learn more about your work at XYZ company next week."

[ericajfinley]

I love what's been suggested here already in terms of being brave and just asking for a chat + having a goal(s) of what you want to accomplish.

Beyond that, if you're in a room full of people, I'd suggest trying to elevate your talking points/questions: Instead of "What do you do?" try "What's exciting you right now?" I think you'll find you get deeper insights, and folks will see you're really invested in getting to know them. 😄

[DianaGomez]

Hi @JenWeiss great topic 😊

My networking advice is: Do it! Every single person knows something you don't. Enjoy the moment and learn. 

️ My elevator pitch is: Doesn't life seem to fly by? 😊

[jennysowyrda]

Accept all help and relevant invitations. 

Establishing a network is hard, especially when you're switching careers or just starting out. When someone offers to help (whether it's with building your personal brand, connecting on LinkedIn, reading your resume, etc.) accept their help. Similarly, don't be afraid to connect with professionals who are in your industry. Everyone is a stranger until you say hello - if you want to meet someone or spend 20 minutes getting their advice, just ask. The worst they say is no. 

With that in mind, always enter professional coffee chats (and all meetings) with a goal of what you want to learn or accomplish in that meeting. Once someone has agreed to give you some of their time, don't waste it. 

And remember - networking is really just making professional friends - it's nothing different than what you've done before, just with a fancier title. 😉 

[jcolman]

Yes, SO MUCH THIS ☝️

Saying "yes" to someone's offer of help isn't a weakness, it's a strength. It's also one of the fastest and best ways to learn.