If you dread networking, this might be the sign for you to change your perspective.
Networking may not be everyone’s cup of tea as it can be time consuming, draining, and awkward at times – especially for non-native English speakers. Imagine being in a room filled with English speaking professionals and not being able to network or communicate effectively, that would be a wasted opportunity.
Although it may seem like networking is just merely unnecessary small talk and exchanging information with strangers, networking skills are crucial to anyone intending to start or advance their career.
What is networking?
Networking is establishing, building, and nurturing long-term, mutually beneficial relationships with the people you meet in different places (both virtually and in person). Wherever you are, you can make lifetime connections – be it in a conference meeting, a sports event, or even in the queue to order a morning coffee. Networking doesn’t mean joining every seminar, conference or professional networking event to meet new people, it’s about intentionally creating network opportunities and creating a professional network.
Benefits of networking in English
- Increased visibility within your field
Competition is everywhere. Once a job advertisement is posted online, hundreds to thousands of competent job-seeking individuals see it and are inclined to apply for it – just as you are. With an established professional network, you can potentially make opportunities come to you instead of you chasing them.
- Enhancing your professional development
Professional development is the lifelong evolution of your career. According to Carter Cast, author of the book, “The Right (and Wrong) Stuff: How Brilliant Careers Are Made,” we live in an era where career development is considered DIY (do-it-yourself). Meaning you are in charge of your professional development. Which is where networking comes in handy. As you network with people in your company, industry or outside your industry, you can further develop your skills and areas of expertise.
- Finding suitable mentors
When networking with different people, you’ll be able to meet a lot of experienced professionals and experts in your sector who could help or guide you in your career. Aside from this, you’ll also have access to resources which can foster your career development.
- Increasing your chances of gaining a promotion
Networking can also be done within your company. When you network with other employees at your organisation, you're fostering relationships, establishing rapport, and cultivating mutual trust and respect, all of which lead to increased productivity and a better overall work experience. Networking with people in your company can also offer you information on job openings before they become public, which increases your chances of gaining a promotion.
- Potentially finding a new job opportunity
When you network, you’ll have access to ‘the hidden job market.’ This consists of the jobs that haven’t been posted online on career job boards. Since finding the right person to hire takes time, some companies want to hire people who are referred to them by their employees, business associates, friends, or family. So, networking is a good opportunity to find out about potential jobs that are in the pipeline for an organisation (e.g. due to project expansion or organisational restructure), or positions that may become vacant in the near future.
According to a LinkedIn study, 80% of professionals consider networking critical to career advancement and some say that it is an essential professional skill which everyone should learn. So, below are some strategies which you can follow.
Strategies for Networking in English
- Be prepared. The purpose of networking is to become acquainted with people who can provide information about careers. You need to know yourself (i.e. your education, experience & skills). Prepare and practice a concise one-minute presentation of yourself. Also, consider the type of people that might be present at your next networking event and prepare some questions that might engage them in conversation.
- Be targeted. You need to identify your network. Attend meetings of organisations in your area of work/expertise/interest. You never know where you might meet someone who could lead you to your next job!
- Be professional. Remember to ask your networking prospects for advice, never for a job! The networking meetings you attend will become a valuable source of career information, advice and contacts. Make sure you keep a friendly demeanour – remember to use appropriate eye contact and a warm smile.
- Be patient. Networking is all about cultivating relationships and building trust. It does not always yield immediate results or instant answers, so do not feel discouraged.
“Networking is like gardening – it takes time and effort in order to make the relationships grow, they don’t just spring up overnight.” – Olivia Verhulst
Whilst it can be easy to shake hands and meet with people, meaningful networking requires time and effort to nurture relationships, just like gardening requires the right amount of water, sun, time, and love to grow the plant. Nurturing is the part of the process where you continue to develop a professional relationship with someone with whom you’ve already initiated contact. If you nurture your network like a garden should be nurtured, you can expect to reap a bountiful harvest, including (but not limited to) a shorter job search, interviews, offers, and ultimately landing the job you want.
- Be focused on quality, not quantity. In a large group setting, you should circulate and meet people, but you do not need to talk to everyone. It’s more fruitful to have a number of meaningful conversations, rather than 30 hasty introductions. It’s much easier to stay in your comfort zone and only speak with people you already know; it’s unlikely that you’ll be able to build your contacts that way. Make sure you bring your current business card with you to exchange with new contacts, so that later you can contact the people you have met.
- Be proactive. After the networking event, make sure you follow-up your new contacts right away by connecting through LinkedIn or email. Thank them for having connected with you at the event and let them know you are looking forward to growing a mutually beneficial relationship.
- Be dedicated to networking. Remember that networking needs to become a regular practice and skill. You need to nurture and maintain the relationships you build for the long haul, not just when you need something. Networking needs to be part of your long-term career plan.
Final Tips!
When networking with potential employers and other professionals, here are some questions which you can ask:
- What are you currently working on?
- What challenges do you think the industry is facing at present?
- What opportunities for advancement are there in this organisation or field?
- What would be a typical next career move for someone in your position?
- Where do you see your company headed?
Remember to avoid asking dead-end questions or questions that just have a ‘yes’ or ‘no’ answer, since keeping the conversation going should be your goal to establish relationships.
Networking requires you to talk to strangers, which gives you a great opportunity to polish and refine your communication skills. Being able to network well in English can give you more opportunities to market yourself and communicate your value which can make you stand out from the crowd.
ESL Tutoring Services
If you’re looking for ways to improve your networking skills by speaking fluent English, we can help you!
Contact us today to learn more about what we can offer. We offer our teaching services in Brisbane, Canberra, Melbourne and Sydney, as well as online. Send us an email at info@esltutoringservices.com or call on 1300 137 186.
Call us today on 1300 137 186 to enquire how you can get started on advancing your English skills. You can also email us on info@esltutoringservices.com.
