Networking in Your Career
By Natalie Dee

Is networking a dirty word to you? Do you find the idea of "working a room" and pressing palms about as desirable as a bout of flu? If so then you need to reconsider the concept as networking can work manifold wonders for you and your career.

If it helps we all feel awkward, shy and even frozen with fear when entering a room of total strangers. Yes, that means all of us and not just you and it's perfectly normal to feel intimidated.

But with a little preparation and practice you can perfect networking and find it a powerful tool with which to build your career and credibility.

Strategic networking is a modern day business must as it can raise your profile, put you in front of decision makers, future employers or potential clients and will get you noticed too.

A good networker listens to what other people have to say about their business, their experiences, their challenges and how the current climate is affecting them. In these listening situations you will learn insider knowledge, pick up current trends and hear what competitors or other people in the market are doing to attract business.

All this is highly valuable information which will keep you ahead of your game. By being genuinely interested in others you will form alliances and advocates who could aid you on your career path.

It is worth learning a few ice breaker questions such as "how's business for you at the moment?" or "what would you like to get out of this event today?" to kick start a conversation.

Being a "networking fulcrum" is a great position to cultivate. Introduce others that you will know will benefit from an alliance, pass on contacts, follow up with emails and forward on information after the event.

A few other tips include holding someone's business card in both hands and reading their name, position and business and commenting on it to the giver before putting it away in your jacket or briefcase. This shows respect and interest in the person. When you have a moment you may wish to write on the back of the card what you discussed with the person so that you can remember the details when you return to your office.

Always follow up with a brief email after the event to acknowledge how much you appreciated meeting them.

Try to attend as many appropriate networking events as you can and pretty soon the whole process will become familiar and easier and then you will find your confidence increasing along with your professional status and career potential.

All the best,

Natalie Dee Life Coach & Executive Coach

Natalie Dee is a specialist in life coaching and business coaching with clients throughout the UK and worldwide. To find out more, visit http://www.natalie-dee.com

Coaching promotes confidence, fulfillment and success in peoples' lives. Life coaching, business coaching and executive coaching creates change in communication skills and self confidence.

In her business capacity, Natalie offers a range of executive coaching services including one-to-one coaching and professional workshops. For more information visit: http://ecl-coaching.championsclubcommunity.com/

Natalie Dee is also the co-author of an ebook on self confidence, for more details visit her website (as above).

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