Networking Tips for Millennials
Social media brings a whole new dimension to networking! From start to finish, here’s how you can network with new people and maintain those relationships.
Aside from the business cards that your employer gives you, carry your own personalized set of business cards. This shows that you are a young professional who invests in your personal brand. Just a tip for anyone trying to stay on budget, Vistaprint is a cost-effective option.
Host your own networking events!
Invite friends, tell them to bring a friend, and then tell those friends to bring friends. Pick a public place to meet, in case your place is too small to entertain a crowd. Extra tip for a productive night of meeting like-minded professionals… Keep the alcohol supply low and stick to beer and wine. Drunk and professional don’t usually work well together.
Share your connections!
Don’t see other professionals in your industry as the competition. Look at them as your allies. You can help them and they can help you. We’re all just looking for our dream job here, right? The more connections you share with other people, the more connections you’ll make, and the more your name will get out there (in a good way, of course).
Stay in touch!
So many professionals make connections, and then life happens. Make time to stay connected with your professional connections, just like you make time to hang out with your friends. I get it! Everyone’s got a crazy schedule. But, even if you make time once a month to hit someone up on LinkedIn, I’m sure it would be greatly appreciated because that person knows that you’re thinking of them. Don’t send the generic “Hi, how are you? Hope all is well at your new job.” Be specific and take a look at any updates on their LinkedIn profile. Go for the “Hi [NAME], how are you? It’s been awhile since we caught up. I see you updated your LinkedIn profile. How’s the new job at [COMPANY] going?” type of message.
Get together!
If you want to take that last tip for staying in touch with people a step further. Meet up for coffee or drinks after work. Nothing feels more personal than meeting up with someone in person. And even if you only meet up with your connections every few months or once a year, that person will still know you well enough to provide a reference for you or even recommend you for a job in their own company.
