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Five Ways to Network Effectively

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Meeting the right people and making the most of those interactions is what effective networking is all about. Over the course of your career, you'll have plenty of opportunities to network, be it one-on-one or at conventions, trade shows, and the like. But there is more to networking than showing up and exchanging handshakes and business cards. When you have the chance to meet and mingle, follow these five success-boosting strategies to network like you mean it! You never know who you'll meet and how your career path can benefit from the engaging encounter.

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Be Conversational, Not "Salesy"

The best way to get off on the right foot is by being genuine. Sales pitches and prepared lingo will come off as inauthentic and give the impression that you may as well be talking to anyone. Be natural and conversational, and let the meeting take shape organically.

As Entrepreneur suggests, "Keep your exchange fun, light and informal – you don't need to do the hard sell within minutes of meeting a person. The idea is to get the conversation started. People are more apt to do business with – or partner with – people whose company they enjoy. Remember, networking is all about relationship building."

Stay Focused

If you find yourself networking within a large crowd at a convention-type setting, it may seem near impossible to concentrate. But you will need to drown out the noise, ignore the chaos, and direct your attention on the person you are talking with at any particular moment. Because if they feel they don't have 100% of your concentration, you may find yourself leaving a poor impression.

Sally Haver, a senior VP at The Ayers Group tells Monster, "When people spend 50 percent of the time looking over my shoulder, I don't feel warm and fuzzy." The grass may be greener on the other side (of the room) but give the person you are speaking with the respect they deserve. Dismissing someone in the hopes of finding that "bigger and better" attendee can result in you standing alone.

Listen (at least as much as you talk)

When time is limited, you may be inclined to talk yourself up. Sure, people want to hear about who you are and what you do, but they are part of the interaction too. This isn't Shark Tank. It's not all about pitching yourself with the goal of getting something in return. Networking is a two-way street with plenty of room for everyone to share the road.

As Entrepreneur recommends, "Don't hijack the conversation. The most successful networkers (think of those you've met) are good at making other people feel special. Look people in the eye, repeat their name, listen to what they have to say, and suggest topics that are easy to discuss. Be a conversationalist, not a talker."

What Can You Offer?

Yes, you want to network to benefit your own agenda, but by helping others, you'll help yourself in the process. As Inc. notes, "If you want to connect with someone, find a way to help that person. It's always worth the trouble to find out a contact's desires and concerns. The chances are high that you'll be able to find something worthwhile you can offer. It's easy to assume that a wealthy and successful contact already has everything he or she desires and wants nothing from the likes of you. If you're thinking that way, get over it."

Monster adds, "There's no better way to establish a business networking relationship than to contribute to the solution of your new contact's pressing problem. If someone states a challenge that they're facing, respond—no later than the next morning—with something of value that addresses their issue."

As Inc. puts it, "Be generous. That doesn't mean you should only reach out to contacts or do things for them when you expect something in return."

As they say, "Do unto others…"

Keep in Touch

Networking doesn't end when the meeting is over. The whole point is to establish an ongoing rapport that will propel both parties towards a better working relationship that is mutually beneficial.

As Monster recommends, "Set yourself up for the next contact. If you intuit that a new contact will have lasting value, start building a bridge to your next exchange before you say your first good-bye."

Entrepreneur suggests, "Get in touch within 48 hours of the event to show you're interested and available, and reference something you discussed, so your contact remembers you."

Keep connected, stay in touch, and see how your relationship can flourish as you advance in your careers.

Network for successcareer.uconn.edu

The next time you network, you'll have the tools to make every moment worth everyone's while. Make networking really work!

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Should I Let My Kid Intern at My Company?

Many high school and college students and graduates seek internships throughout the year and during summer or holiday breaks. Kudos for these young men and women for being go-getters and showing interest in entering the workforce at their stage in life. Internships are invaluable experiences where these young people will gain knowledge and skills they could never learn by reading books, researching online, or while in the classroom.

As per Monster, "Employers overwhelmingly point to internship experience as the most important factor they consider in hiring new college graduates for full-time positions." So not only will an intern get hands-on training, but they are giving themselves an edge above those seeking the same jobs in the future. Along with workplace background and know-how, these interns will also have an opportunity to make connections for networking, as well as develop a sense of self-confidence in the workplace environment which is much different than what they're used to in the classroom.

Interns aren't the only ones who benefit from the experience. Employers do too. According to Inc., "Student interns inject energy into an office setting, bringing creativity and enthusiasm that tenured employees may lack, and (another) benefit of interns is the opportunity for current employees to test their management abilities." Additionally, an intern who does a great job can be a valuable new full-time employee once they graduate. They already know the ins and outs and have a stepping stone upon which to advance from.

If you are a parent, supporting your child's choice to seek out an internship or convincing them to do so seems like a smart idea. That said, if you are a business owner, should you allow your own child to intern with your company? Or, if the company you work for is seeking interns, is it a good idea for your child to apply?

As long as you don't give your child special privileges or treat them any differently than the other interns, and they meet the criteria required for the role, your child will benefit from interning at your company as much as, if not more than interning for another company in a similar or related field. Your child will gain new insight about you outside of what they are used to seeing when you are in the "parent" role. Additional respect will come forth and this new dynamic will teach you a great deal about one another.

In a more conventional sense, "An intern provides an extra set of hands that can often help accomplish goals or finish projects," as per The Balance. And who couldn't use some assistance around the office? Plus, you will have the chance to help your child succeed in the future. The Balance adds, "When employees have to carefully teach a crop of young people how to do tasks and accomplish goals, it can often motivate them to personally act as stronger leaders." As a parent, you've been doing this on a personal level for years, but now you can add another layer to what you instill in your child.

If your child is interested in working in the field you're in and an internship position is open, give your child a shot. If you won't find the interaction distracting and the other employees are on board as well, this could be a parent-child experience that neither of you will soon forget. And if your child excels, he or she may just become part of the team!

For more benefits of interning for both the intern and the provider, see Brigham Young University's list of "pros." Good luck!

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The A, B, and C to Success at Work – An A-Z Series to Success

Success in the workplace isn't something that just falls into your lap, as much as some of us wish it would. In order to be productive and reach new heights, each person needs to be accountable for their actions and proactive in their endeavors in order to reach the level of success desired.

Some people seem born to succeed and make their way up the ladder nearly effortlessly. But these folks are few and far between; the rest of us need to work at it with all we've got to make it to the places we want to be and to achieve our own personal definition of "the dream."

Whatever "success" may mean to you, this A-Z series offers tips, showcases behaviors, and explains why certain actions lead to success.

Starting with A, B, and C – Ambition, Boldness, and Commitment – achieving success is as easy as A, B, C… as long as you make the decision to pave the path to progress.

Ambition

Desire and enthusiasm are a necessity in order to succeed. Without ambition, there won't be a drive to reach new advancements and take the initiative to go the extra mile.

As per Success, ambitious people, "see themselves capable of being the best. They see themselves with the capacity of being really good at what they do."

Fast Company notes, "Ambitious people are goal-oriented and are always striving towards the next accomplishment. Ambitious people break away from consistent 'groupthink', and expose themselves to new ways of thinking."

Determination and hard work to achieve success is what ambition is all about. As The Kahle Way puts it, "(Ambitious people are) willing to do whatever it takes to get the job done."

Boldness

Having the courage to be strong in your decisions and a willingness to try new things and take chances are key components towards achievement. As per Fast Company, "Act with purpose, but allow room to explore, experiment and discover."

Success adds, "Successful people work to confront the fears that hold most people back. The ability to confront your fear is the mark of the superior person."

Don't waver in your decision-making. With firm background knowledge and past experience, go with your instincts and make moves that will propel you to where you want to be. Hesitation leads to stagnation.

Commitment

As per Success, "The top people in every field are completely committed. They believe in themselves; they believe in their companies; they believe in their products and services; they believe in their customers."

Persistence and perseverance are a must if you are devoted to your work. According to HubSpot, "The ability to persist on a given path regardless of setbacks, unexpected events, bad news, and resistance -- to continue steadfastly or firmly in some state, purpose, or course of action in spite of conditions -- is a trait common to those who make it."

See your projects through to the end and don't throw in the towel when the going gets tough. Success doesn't always come quickly or easily, but those who stick through it will reap the well-earned rewards of their undertaking.

Here are more tips for success at work with D, E, and F.

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Could You, Would You Be A Digital Nomad?

Times are a changing and paradigms are a shifting. One rising trend is that of the digital nomad. Armed with wireless internet, their smartphones, tablets, laptops, cool travel bags, and their wits digital nomads work remotely wherever they decide to live or travel. As long as you can do/submit you work via the web, these days you can roam as freely as your hearts content. Add cool services like Airbnb and Turo, and you can find an affordable place to stay and a car to get around pretty much wherever you go. Digital nomads also make use of coworking spaces, cafes, house sitting agreements, and shared offices in to do their work. It's really up to you to get as creative as you'd like. So what do you think? Could you be a digital nomad? Before you start dreaming of filling your Instagram feed with pictures of you and your laptop in exotic places, let's examine so of the pros and the cons of the digital nomadic lifestyle.

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