I remember knowing 0 people in Corporate America at the end of freshman year. Going on LinkedIn, chatting with professionals in many industries, and building relationships over time got me where I am today.
Networking is a key skill that will serve well for finding jobs and in life in general. By having conversations with professionals in many industries you will find out:
What you like
What companies are a good fit for you
If that person is someone you’d want to keep in touch with
The key, as in any relationship, is to be authentic and consistent. Here is how I do that:
I reach out to people I have things in common with
Pretty obvious
I don’t ask for a 15 minute chat right away - instead I just let them know I exist.
It’s annoying when someone is clearly trying to sell you something
Don’t come off too sales-y in your first email
I follow-up every 2-3 months and tell them about my progress
This shows that you execute and shows them effort
I eventually ask for a call
And months later, if I feel a strong connection, I’ll ask for a referral if relevant
Long story short, the best relationships happen over time, but if you find yourself in a rush I’d reach out to as many people as possible and follow up in about a month with your progress. Start today!
In order to do this and keep track of it all, I use this excel spreadsheet as a “database” and a tool called PersistIQ that helps me automate customized emails and automates the follow ups.
I highly recommend PersistIQ because of the chrome plug in that:
helps you find (almost) anyone’s email address
add them to a campaign
send emails straight from LinkedIn.
(It’s completely free for students)
Hope this was helpful and please connect on LinkedIn if we haven’t already.
Great newsletter! I'm a PM in San Francisco and I just wrote a book called Leading Change at Work: The Secret Structure of Change and How Anyone Can Make It Happen. The book is especially popular among people who are at the beginnings of their careers. bit.ly/leading-change-at-work Happy to answer any questions you have. Thanks!