How To Start Networking As A Young Business Professional
Forbes says that about 80 percent of jobs are landed through networking experiences. If you've been in school or haven't been in the workforce for very long, it can be intimidating to know where to start networking. There are lots of ways to start fostering positive relationships between other professionals in your industry and with clients. Here are three ways to start networking.
Attend a Job Fair
Applying for one job can take a lot of work as you have to search job listings, prepare a resume, schedule interviews, and so on. Instead of scrolling through job listings, you should attend a job fair that's specific to your industry. Even if you aren't looking for a job at the moment, job fairs are a great way to network and exchange information with recruiters, HR reps, and other business professionals for future job opportunities.
Before you attend a job fair, you should research companies beforehand so that you are better prepared when talking with different booths and aren't wasting time wandering around the fair. If you are interested in finding a job this way, be sure to bring copies of your resume and practice a quick pitch to share who you are with interested parties.
Check out Your Local Chamber of Commerce
A chamber of commerce is an organization that is meant to protect a community's business interests and provide job opportunities. There are national, state, regional, and local chambers of commerce. You should reach out to your city's chamber of commerce to see when they have meetings. These meetings are a great way to learn more about local businesses and establish connections with other professionals.
Create a Social Media Profile That's Strictly for Your Business Side
You don't need to spend a ton of money trying to market yourself or your business. About 97 percent of marketers use social media, and those that use social media tend to outsell other business platforms. You may already have a social media profile for your social life, but it's important to establish a professional profile—whether that's on LinkedIn, Facebook, Twitter, etc. It will be easier to create an online network when you have a business profile. This profile can provide a quick link to your resume, portfolio, and business website. Customers tend to be more receptive to businesses that they find online rather than being bombarded with cards, flyers, or other outbound advertising methods.
Reach out to marketing professionals in your area for more information on networking groups for professionals in your industry.