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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

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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Why LinkedIn Named Amazon The #1 Company to Work For

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LinkedIn is arguably the most popular website for professional networking and finding jobs. They have recently released their "Top Companies" list for 2018, a representation of the top 50 companies where "professionals most want to work across the U.S. based on the actions of LinkedIn's more than 546 million professionals."


By tapping into four main pillars – interest in the company, engagement with the company's employees, job demand, and employee retention, LinkedIn ranked these 50 companies for 2018. And which one came out on top? The always-impressive, ever-expanding Amazon.

A worker checks a box at an Amazon warehouse onpoint.legacy.wbur.org

Consumers can't get enough of Amazon, so it is reassuring to know that the people who work for the Seattle-based company are just as satisfied. As the second-largest private employer in America (Walmart is #1) and a global headcount of 566,000, Amazon is by all means impressive and inspires people to seek out employment with their company.

Wise Stepnotes some impressive and attractive reasons as to why Amazon is such a great place to work. "The Amazon pay scale is good and above average as compared to other companies. It comes with several benefits and also gives you the freedom to move around. The Amazon work environment also lets people be themselves. People are open-minded and willing to listed to you. Amazon is also an innovative company and gives you a great opportunity to learn."

Greeting Amazon customers with a smilepinterest.com

CNBC reported that millennials are jumping at the chance to work for Amazon. "They give young professionals what they want most: career growth, flexibility, and a sense of purpose. They are able to learn and be challenged and see results." Additionally, "millennials are more likely to seek out companies with progressive management." At a company like Amazon, these millennials feel like they are making a difference in the larger sense through the work they are doing. It is not only about personal achievement for this forward-thinking generation.

Snap notes, "Amazon's success stems from CEO Jeff Bezos and his management team, who operates differently than most other companies. He knows what works and isn't afraid to take chances. Staying connected to what consumers want is what makes Amazon great." Employees take pride in knowing their work is appreciated by consumers who feel their voice is being heard and they see the impact first-hand.

Jeff Bezos presents key findings at an Amazon press conference fortune.com

According to LinkedIn, "You won't find extraordinary perks at the company, and the work tempo is famously intense. But for people who want to chase big dreams with giant-company resources at their disposal, the chance to make a mark at Amazon is an enticement that sells itself." The proof is in the pudding. "Amazon's job listings have attracted 55 million views and 8 million applications in the past 12 months alone."

Check out the entire list of the Top Companies from 1 – 50. Take a guess as to where Starbucks, Nike, Facebook, Twitter, Uber, and Netflix landed.

Have you considered a career with Amazon? Based on public opinion, you won't regret it.

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6 tips to build an impressive LinkedIn profile

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LinkedIn is the leading social media platform for professional networking. At this point, if you're looking for a job (especially in a communications field), you are basically required to have an account. However, don't look at setting up a LinkedIn as extra work. Think of it as an extra opportunity to explain yourself and sell yourself to potential employers. After you've uploaded a photo, there's still quite a lot to do.

1. Leave nothing blank

Make sure you fill out every possible space on your profile. Don't leave any blank space at all. This includes the summary space at the top and descriptions of all of your positions throughout the page. Don't skimp out. To get started, you can copy over what you already have on your résumé. But where needed, not be afraid to expand with more details. You have more space on LinkedIn to explain your experience than you do on a traditional résumé. Don't waste it.

2. Include links and multimedia content

Other perks of LinkedIn that you don't get on your résumé are links and multimedia content. Where applicable, link to your work. Include videos and visuals as they relate to different positions that you've had. This will not only make your profile more visually appealing, but will also prove your experience even further.

3. Don't forget the education and awards sections

LinkedIn has options for many different types of content. If you've handled several big projects, you can easily add them. If you've done a lot of volunteer work or published essays or scientific articles, you can add those too. But don't forget to include your education. Awards look especially impressive if you have any that are applicable.

4. Get endorsements for your skills

At the very bottom of your profile, you can list skills that you have. LinkedIn also allows other users to endorse each other for their skills. Having more endorsements shows employers that you can be trusted and not just lying to boost your résumé. Your connections can also recommend you on your profile. Make sure you ask your work friends and colleagues to endorse you on your profile. And don't forget to give your own recommendations and endorsements too. If you offer your own endorsements, people are more likely to endorse you in turn.

5. Keep your profile readable and easy to understand

You can add so many details to your LinkedIn profile. It's a great resource, but don't make it too busy or unreadable. Keep your descriptions clear, succinct and to the point. You want someone to be able to skim or scan through your profile and still understand what you're saying.

6. Never turn down a connection

A core feature of LinkedIn is connecting with other users. This is similar to a friend request on Facebook. Try not to ever turn down a connection if you can help it. LinkedIn is a less personal platform than Facebook. You don't need to censor who you're connected with. Accepting more connections will grow your professional network. And in a job search, connections are almost as important as qualifications.


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