The Only 2 Things You Need to Know About Networking Posted on March 19th, 2013 by

By E.W. ,  3/19/13

I have written several blogs about networking and given hints about how to start, how to do it better, and with whom you should connect. However, according to Isa Adney, networking is all about two things: making friends and working hard.

Adney states that in the real working world, people are going to hire friends over people they don’t know. Let’s be honest, while we might scream unfairness, it actually makes a lot of sense. Would you hire a complete stranger over one of your best buds who fits the requirements? Didn’t think so. Now that you know people are hiring their friends, the next step for you is relatively simple: make friends. No matter where you work, no matter how long you intend to be there, really make an effort to get to know the people with whom you are working. Talk to them about their work, their family, their hobbies. Maybe your coworker isn’t going to hire you, but they might know someone who will. And when you’re friends with a person who is friends with someone else who works in your dream field, you’ll be glad you invested the time to get to know your coworkers. It’s all about connections.

Adney’s other tip is to work hard. Well, duh. While this may seem like a no brainer, let’s think about it for a bit. Employers want to see a good working ethic. Don’t disappoint them. Be punctual, get your stuff done, and, if you can, do a little extra or help someone else. When you are working hard, people will notice. And when people notice you, connections will be made. Before you know it, your network will be huge, and it is all because you put in the effort.

Networking doesn’t have to be hard. Keep it simple: just make some new friends and work hard.

 

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