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Networking 101: Useful Ways To Network

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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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Three Things You Can Do to Increase the Likelihood You'll Snag that Promotion

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Looking to move up in the world…or at least at work? If a promotion is on your radar, there are things you can do to get closer to making one a reality. If you believe you are deserving of a bump up – be it a higher salary, greater responsibility, a more prestigious job title, or increased job security, here are three surefire ways to increase the chances you won't get passed over for a well-deserved promotion. Your boss only wants the best, and you've got the goods to back it up!

Be Irreplaceable

There's only one YOU!laruno.com

Your position must be valuable and you need to do a great job at what you do. If any old "Joe Schmo" can come along and fill your shoes seamlessly, why would promoting you be beneficial? Stand out, show your worth, and be the one who cannot be swapped with someone similar. When you are irreplaceable, your employer will want to keep you around and give you credit for your special skills, leading to a promotion.

Monsterrecommends, "Be Indispensable. Whether it's inventing a new program that will save your firm money or becoming a client's go-to person, put your boss in a position where he can't afford to lose you."

One way to shine? LiveCareer says, "Create a powerful personal brand. What is it that you want people to conjure when they think of you? What is the experience you want them to have when they work with you? This is entirely within your control, so don't neglect it."

There is only one you, so prove you're #1.

Keep it Professional

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As perCNBC, "According to best-selling author and CNBC contributor Suzy Welch, to get ahead, you need to act professionally and come across as in control of your career."

Gossip, drama, and other types of non-professional/irresponsible behavior will keep you from getting further in your career. No matter the office environment or general atmosphere (even the most laid-back of settings), maintaining professionalism is always a good thing. Maturity and mindfulness is key to showing you are serious about your job and care about the well-being and success of the company.

As LiveCareer warns, "Nothing can derail someone's future with an organization faster than negative information — and being involved in gossip in any way is the fast path to the end of your career with your employer."

Career Builder suggests avoiding these "professional faux pas" at all costs:

  • Regularly arriving to work late or leaving early
  • Using vulgar language within the workplace
  • Taking an excessive amount of sick days

And as far as remaining drama-free? The Muse explains, "Especially in an office environment, we have to work closely with different personalities and in less-than-ideal situations. Unless there's a real problem (read: you feel unsafe or can't complete your work), keep complaints to yourself."

Go Above and Beyond

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Clocking in and clocking out will score you a paycheck, but a promotion? Not likely. You need to prove you're a go-getter who is looking for more, by doing more.

As per Chameleon Resumes, "One of the biggest mistakes executives make is thinking they can just do what's expected of them and still get a promotion. You may not realize it but this is actually a form of arrogance. No one gets a promotion for just doing their job."

CNBC's Welch shares, "If you want to show your boss you're ready for that next step, then you're not just going to do what's asked of you and what's expected of you. You're going to expand your job to help the company [and] help your team."

LiveCareer recommends, "An excellent promotion tip is to volunteer for additional projects or assignments. Asking for more work demonstrates your interest and desire to help your department and company succeed — and puts a spotlight on your value to the organization."

Is a promotion in the cards? If you know you deserve one, make it known. Prove you're serious, smart, and strong and success can be yours by way of promotion. Good luck!

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How I Earn Rewards Points on My Everyday Purchases

Do you ever look at your credit card statement and laugh at how often you spend money at the same four or five places? I definitely do. I have my favorite spots that are part of my daily routine and I'm always trying to think of ways to make my money go further, but I'm not willing to give up those purchases that are a normal part of my week. So rather than skip my morning coffee to save a buck, I use Drop.

Drop is an app that lets you earn points when you shop at your favorite stores. All you have to do is link your credit or debit card. Once you sync with Drop, you then select your five favorite stores. Then, any time you use your card at one of those five stores, you earn points that can be redeemed in the form of gift cards. It's literally that simple.

For me, there were almost too many options to choose from when selecting my five stores. There was Dunkin' Donuts, which was a no brainer since I need my coffee every day. Then there was Uber, which I always end up taking even when it's not in my budget. And of course I had to include Seamless, because I'm never in the mood to cook when I get home from work. To round it out, I chose Chipotle, my go-to lunch spot, and Target, which is where I go for everything else.

All I had to do to start earning points was go about my normal life and I saw the points start to roll in with each purchase. I knew I was spending a good amount of money at those five stores, but I had no idea how easy it would be to start getting rewards points. And if I want to earn even more points, Drop is constantly sending me additional offers from other brands that I love, like BirchBox and Boxed.com, so I don't just have to rely on my five main stores. Since I started with Drop two months ago, I've already used 10,000 points to get a $10 gift card at Amazon. It's that easy!

With Drop, I see all the deals available to me in the app and I can keep track of them in one convenient location. I've been trying to tell as many of my friends as possible to try Drop because there's zero downside and it takes almost no effort at all to earn points. I can't imagine I'll ever stop using it. It's literally the easiest way I've ever earned rewards points. I even get offers for new deals to earn more points at other places like Amazon and Barnes & Noble. Since signing up with Drop, I know I'm getting getting the best bang for my buck.

This content was brought to you by GeistM: Performance Driven Marketing At Scale. To learn more about GeistM and how we can power your content marketing strategy, follow this link and give us a shout. We're friendly and we're social!


What are the benefits of working for a nonprofit?

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Whether you're new to the workforce or are thinking about making a career shift, considering the nonprofit world can change your life and the lives of those you have the opportunity to touch. Here are three compelling reasons why working for a nonprofit is important and impactful.

You'll Be Involved in Many Aspects of the Company

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Many nonprofits need lots of help in all areas. When you work for one, your job responsibilities will be varied and ever-changing, even daily. If you are the type of person who likes to be challenged and in-the-know about what is happening in all departments, you will have the chance to put your skills and eagerness to work to task.

Nonprofit People notes, "To be successful in a nonprofit career, it's beneficial to know about how every aspect helps to work towards the mission. That said, you'll love having opportunities to learn about accounting, finance, management, IT, advertising or whatever else may come your way! "

As perThe Muse, "Every nonprofit is understaffed. And while that's obviously a disadvantage for the organization, it can actually benefit you. As a newcomer, you won't only learn your role—you'll have opportunities to learn what your boss does, what his or her boss does, and basically, what everyone else in the organization does, too."

By "wearing many hats," you'll have the opportunity to be a leader, a mentor, and a valued member of the team who can be relied upon no matter the situation.

You'll Work Among People Who Truly Care

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There is something special about the people who make the choice to go into the nonprofit sector. Caring and concerned citizens want to make change and help people, just like you do. This type of work atmosphere and shared attitude makes a difference in the business and in the world.

Like Louisiana State University Shreveport says, "Changing lives and making the world a better place is more important than the size of a paycheck. Nonprofit employees typically experience the joy of helping others."

As per Nonprofit People, you'll, "love that your co-workers are passionate, talented and motivated people. Your bottom line is helping others and your community."

When you care deeply about what you do, and the people you work with are just as inspired, the progress you will make will be effective and successful.

Excellent Growth Opportunity

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Not only will you be able to start your career quickly after college or even before/during, but your growth within the company or field will move along at a rapid pace. "One of the best things about working for a nonprofit is how easy it is to get started, no matter your background. It's simple: Volunteer" Rebecca Andruska from The Muse writes.

As you take on more responsibility, you will be able to move up the ranks at a pace not often seen in other fields. According to Top Universities, "For-profit organizations have a more rigidly fixed hierarchy. In most non-profit organizations, you can get easy access to the higher managers and also get to interact with them. This will help you to gain valuable experience and connections."

As The Case Foundation notes as an example, "While three corporate employees may be assigned to one project, one nonprofit employee may find himself assigned to three projects. This can lead to faster career development and more varied job responsibilities for those looking to get ahead quickly."

There's nothing more rewarding than doing something important, and having the chance to make an even bigger impact on your initiatives as you climb the ladder.

Are you ready to get into the nonprofit world? Check out The Balance for 12 of the best nonprofit job boards for people with passion.

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