016 | How to become more confident about networking

10 snips

Dec 3, 2021

Networking can be a game-changer for your career, and it doesn’t have to be intimidating! Discover nine tips to boost your confidence and create a positive mindset. Small talk is key—learn how to master it and remember personal details to deepen connections. Explore the value of giving over taking in networking dynamics and how to leverage LinkedIn effectively. Plus, find out how arriving early at events can make the experience more welcoming and enjoyable. Embrace networking as a powerful relationship-building tool!

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ADVICE

Networking as Relationship Building

Approach networking as building relationships, a skill you already possess.
Remember your first day of school – you built relationships then, you can do it now.

ADVICE

The Importance of Small Talk

Don't underestimate small talk; it's crucial for building rapport.
Ask open-ended questions to encourage conversation, like a good coaching question.

ANECDOTE

Remembering Details

Fay shares a story about a former colleague who excelled at remembering details.
He used business cards and notes to recall personal details, strengthening relationships.

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Networking is an incredibly useful way of overcoming whatever career challenge you’re facing. If you feel a bit nervous about networking, or have been avoiding it because it feels uncomfortable, this episode of HR Coffee Time is here to help. In it, Fay shares 9 simple tips to help you become more confident about networking.

This is the third episode dedicated to networking. The first two episodes in the series are: episode 11, “Networking – the three most important networks for your career” and episode 15, “How networking can help your career.”

Key Points From This Episode

[01:08] The Essential HR Planner

[02:30] How to create a positive mindset when it comes to networking

[04:18] Remember small talk and the important role it plays in getting to know people

[05:39] What to do if you find it hard to think of small talk

[06:42] Formal industry events and how to build rapport

[09:37] Tips on remembering the details that someone has shared with you

[11:38] What to do at networking events if you are nervous

[13:07] Thinking about what you can give to others, rather than what you can take

[14:16] Organisational Psychologist Adam Grant’s idea of givers, takers and matchers explained

[20:43] Nurturing your network and building confidence about networking so you can ask for help when you need it

[21:29] How to follow up with someone who has helped you

[22:34] Finding ways to stay in touch with people in your network

[23:46] Ways to meet or catch up in a virtual world

[25:37] Using LinkedIn to change roles or careers and the concept of six degrees of separation

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If you found this episode of HR Coffee Time helpful, please do rate and review it on Apple Podcasts.

If you're kind enough to leave a review, please do let Fay know so she can say thank you. You can always reach her at: fay@brightskycareercoaching.co.uk.

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