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To get ahead in your career, it helps to have connections that can lead to bigger and better things. From schmoozing and scheduling to socializing and speaking, networking is a nice way to grow both personally and professionally.

It can take some practice to get your networking skills down but as you continue to meet new people and perfect your pitch, you will find that networking can enhance your professionalism and productivity.

Here are some wonderful ways to network, from online to in-person. Try one or test them all, as the more you expand your circle, the better your chance for meeting the right people who can steer you towards success. And vice versa.

Trade Show/Conference

Trade show customerattraction.com

Big and bustling, trade shows and conferences reel in the masses. As you spend a day or two networking in a "big pond," you'll work the room and make the most of like-minded individuals who converge to connect. As recommended byIdealist Careers, "If you can, figure out who will be at the conference ahead of time and try schedule a time to meet." This way, you can hone in on a few key people who will bring the "quality" to the "quantity." Then again, you never know who you may bump into, so leave your options open and be willing to keep your schedule loose. Exchange contact info and follow up swiftly.

LinkedIn

LinkedInhttps://im.mtv.fi

Hop online and use the power of the web to work up key connections. As Walsworth notes, "Like any social site, LinkedIn is about networking, but because it is a site that's focused on professionals and businesses, your company can network effectively with prospective client organizations." Just remember, this isn't like Facebook or Twitter where the entertainment value is at the forefront. Walsworth recommends, "Don't link with people just to build the number of connections you have. Use your connect requests more strategically to engage and build relationships with your target customers and influencers in your market space." LikeDummies points out, "You can connect with past co-workers, employers, and Fortune 500 executives. You never know who will accept your invitation."

College Alumni Association

Alumni associationwww.lycoming.edu

The perks of a college education don't end at graduation. Keep your college connections current by being actively involved with your alumni association. As per The Muse, "If you live in a large city, there's likely some kind of alumni organization already set up there. Either way though, you should reach out to your school's alumni center and ask how to get in touch with local alums. Then, take the next step and actually attend the events." Having that common bond breaks the ice. The next step is to find ways to move from the classroom to the board room and prove that your alma mater matters.

Past Employers

Past employer economicdevelopment.org

No matter your reason for moving on from a previous job, maintaining a professional and cordial relationship with past employer(s) can help you down the line. Never leave a job with a bad taste in anyone's mouth, even if you were fired or left on less-than-ideal terms. As The Muse explains, "Upper level managers tend to be well-connected. So, maintaining a friendly relationship with previous employers is important and beneficial for you in the long run. They'll likely be willing to introduce you to some of their own connections, as well as give you a heads up about opportunities you might be interested in." One day, when you're in their position, you can pay it forward to the up-and-comers seeking your level of success.

Charity Events/Volunteer

Volunteer media.glassdoor.com

Giving back is a gift in of itself, but your charitable sensibilities can help you in your professional life too. This win-win scenario is a surefire way to network with both care and a cause in mind. According to Small Biz Club, "Charity events are often the best place to meet wealthy and serious investors, and attending an industry-specific charity event can be a boon to your business in terms of networking." Idealist Careers adds, "Volunteering allows you to help others, meet people who share your passion, and learn more about your community." And isn't that what networking is all about?

So go on. Get out there and network! New faces, new places, and new experiences are waiting for you to make the first move.

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Whether you're set to speak in front of some co-workers at the office or you have an audience-full of colleagues to impress, you want to give your all when you give your upcoming presentation.

You may be a natural in front of crowds or have the jitters just thinking about it, but no matter your level of comfort, anyone can give a stellar presentation with the right tips under their belt.

Your presentation can go smoothly and successfully when you execute your ideas with practice and purpose. You may not knock it out of the park at your first speaking engagement, but you will feel ready to impress when you take this advice into account. The more you present, the sharper you'll get, so make sure to fine-tune your skills with each presentation you give. Not only will you feel proud of your accomplishments, but your audience will appreciate a job well-done.

Plan and Prep

Prepare for the presentation unsplash

No matter how well you think you know your stuff, winging it is risky business. Even the most knowledgeable person can use some brushing up, be it on their material or how to present it.

And preparation is more than what you plan to bring to the table. As per Entrepreneur there is, "the need for a careful analysis of audience members to know whom you're speaking to, and what they are expecting or needing from the presentation. Take time to talk to the person who invited you in the first place, to obtain a full and complete analysis of who will be in the room."

As Huffington Post puts it, "This isn't about you and what you want to talk about. What does your audience want to know? What can they learn from you that is unique to your experience."

You can tailor your presentation more precisely, giving your crowd the best version of your vision. Then you can practice until you feel confident with what you'll be presenting. Inc. notes, "When you know what you're going to say backward and forward, you don't have to worry about fumbling your words or losing your train of thought. Your audience will appreciate a no-rambling approach."

Start Off Strong

You can do thispexels

It is important to engage your audience from the get-go. Easing into things can have you losing the crowd before you've even hooked them in. You need to be energetic, enthusiastic, and exciting. Like they say, you never get a second chance to make a good first impression.

As per Skills You Need, "The beginning of your presentation is crucial. You need to grab your audience's attention and hold it. They will give you a few minutes' grace in which to entertain them, before they start to switch off if you're dull. So don't waste that on explaining who you are. Start by entertaining them."

You may want to start off with a personal touch. Inc. suggests starting with a good story. "TED Talks speakers use this tactic all the time. Your opening story should be one everyone in the room can relate to." Be yourself, loosen up, and be conversational rather than machine-like. Huffington Post recommends, "Try to be relaxed and conversational. Make your audience feel as though they were the only ones in the room."

Hammer in the Main Message

Get to the pointpexels

You may have plenty to say, but too much information in one presentation can be an overload. Less is more in many cases, and you'll find that your presentation will flow better when you stick to simplicity, with a main message at the core. As Skills You Need suggests, "When planning your presentation, you should always keep in mind the question: What is the key message (or three key points) for my audience to take away? You should be able to communicate that key message very briefly."

As suggested by WikiHow, "Focus your presentation. Having a long, rambling presentation that is hard to follow is not going to win you any audience interest. You need to make sure that your presentation is clear and focused and that any asides you throw into it are there to back up the main point."

One way to make sure your main message is heard and understood is to repeat it throughout the presentation. Inc. suggests reiterating the main message three times. "Introduce the points you will be making, and then spend the meat of your presentation fleshing them out. Conclude by reminding the audience about your points."

Keep this advice in mind and use it to your advantage. Your presentation will be perfected!