Networking in the New Age: Making Meaningful Industry Connections
Networking is a powerful tool, but it’s become far more nuanced than the days of organized events where all you’re left with is a pile of business cards. Social networking is the new networking—and it’s not just digital, either. Deep relationships thrive in honest environments, which is why formal events and happy hours are being replaced by energizing activities and meaningful moments.
Social Media
There’s no denying that modern-day connection often takes place in a digital context, and this is true for catalyzing your career—especially since geographic borders won’t hold you back, so you can connect on a global scale.
Facebook is the fastest growing social network in the world with over 2 billion users. We’ve all heard of the friend of a friend who was screened on Facebook by a prospective employer, but it’s actually useful for networking beyond traditional pitches. Most companies have a Facebook page where they’ll post events and updates on careers. Since Facebook is a naturally friendly platform, you’ll find that it can be a powerful tool in connecting with current employees in an approachable way.
For most, when LinkedIn was founded in 2003, it felt like a stuffy corporate rolodex where no one knew how to spark conversation. But today, LinkedIn features like message-screening and extra access make it one of the largest professional social networks out there that is just that—totally professional. Plus, companies post job listings, events, and updates, so you can tap into culture and more.
Twitter is a conversation hub, which makes it a great tool for genuine interactions with potential employers and contacts. It’s a place where you can contact anyone, really, and are likely to get a response. The optics of responding to one another, both for influential individuals and companies, is great for reputation, respect, and general industry comradery.
Meetups
Meetups are thriving in the workforce. Typical in the startup and tech industries, but not exclusive to them, meetups are self-organized, free, open forums where like-minded individuals meet to learn and network—often over dinner, workouts, or other communal activities. They’re not hard to find, either. Studies have found that millennials thrive in honest environments, so hosting a dinner party is much more favourable as a networking necessity than attending a formal event. If you want to plan your own, consider a lunch, a workout class, or a nature-walk as your setting.
You may have heard of the term “informational interview”, but we’d like to re-frame this experience as “getting to know remarkable people doing remarkable things”. Most CEOs and V.P.s got their start somewhere, and it likely included a helping hand from a mentor. Because of this, leaders are usually open to grabbing a coffee to share their wisdom, which can be just as impactful to you as a real interview setting. So tap into your friend and friends-of-friends groups to see who might be able to hook you up with a contact for a casual caffeinated connection.
Workshops, Bootcamps, and Conferences
Think TED, SXSW, The Gritty Movement, Create and Cultivate, Work Human, and the Talent Lab (un)Conference. These events can be formal in that they’ll have more of a set agenda for learning, with keynote speakers, and they’ll likely cost money for admission. But they’re more than worth it. Not only will you have access to learning from some of the top professionals in your industry, you’ll also have the opportunity to deeply connect and interact with these individuals and peers. You’ll be exposed to opportunities on a global scale, and primed for a position that aligns with your values—like remote culture, flexible hours, unlimited earning potential, and more.
There are always opportunities to meet like-minded people who are willing to help—especially in our digital age without borders or restricted access to knowledge. Figure out what feels right for you, and remember that every interaction is an opportunity to connect with individuals who may empower your purpose beyond just your next career move. They may unlock a skill you never knew you had, or open your eyes to a new way of looking at the world. However you decide to connect with others, do it with an open mind and a free spirit—you’ll thank you later.
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