When it comes to finding a new position or advancing your career within the telecommunications or digital media field, nothing beats good old-fashioned networking. Tapping into your database of old colleagues, associates and friends to build an ever-widening circle is as important now as it has ever been. According to research, only about 5 to 10 percent of all positions are listed publicly. The remainder are handled by executive search firms or filled by word of mouth.
Typical networking advice from years past still applies. Memberships in industry organizations, networking events and the exchange of business cards are still important activities, as is sending an email or a quick note of thanks to someone for a recent talk. However, just as the workplace has evolved, so, too, has networking. Nurturing your network in the digital age takes finesse, insight and strategy.
Read on for five smart new ways to connect with people to broaden your network.
Access the New "Meet and Greet"
Every industry has its key conferences, and these functions offer numerous opportunities to connect with like-minded professionals. The transformation of the communications sector to embrace new media prospects has spawned a host of new smaller shows that highlight more specific subject matter as well as attract a more targeted audience. In addition to the more established NAB Show, the NCTA Cable Show and the Consumer Electronics Show (CES), a number of other shows are directed at the new media space that communications professionals may want to consider:
ISPCON - A hot event for professionals in the ISP arena, ISPCON highlights what's new in Internet, Web 2.0, VoIP, Wi-Fi and other technologies that will shape the communications industry in the years to come.
Digital Hollywood - With conferences scheduled throughout the year, Digital Hollywood offers opportunities to engage with industry insiders at one of the leading entertainment and technology conference in the country.
New Media Expo - The New Media Expo educates individuals and companies about how to produce high-quality digital content, grow a loyal audience and market or monetize that content in creative ways. The Expo is also a major networking event where content creators can share ideas and build partnerships.
Online Media Marketing and Advertising (OMMA) Conference & Expo - Held every year during Advertising Week in New York, OMMA brings together top names in the industry to share the secrets of connecting with consumers in today's fragmented online media world and gain valuable knowledge and insights into emerging markets and trends. |
Rub Digital Elbows
Social networking, popularized by teens sharing information with their friends online on Web sites such as Facebook Inc. and MySpace, is now a big part of the business world. New business social networks such as LinkedIn have enabled professionals and executives in all industries to rub virtual elbows with colleagues. Yet just as there are social rules of engagement, the online world has its own protocol. Before you plunge into social networking, click here to read some helpful tips, courtesy of Market Watch's Marshall Loeb for The Wall Street Journal's Career Journal.
Build a Network Creatively
If you are unable to go to a networking event, make the network event come to you. Consider starting a supper club, leadership roundtable or any regular meeting where like-minded people come together to share insights, ideas and, of course, network. Your new group need not be limited to your current professional sphere. Think about including college alumni, parallel industry professionals or former co-workers with whom you'd like to reconnect.
Master the Art of Networking
Sharpening and practicing your networking skills can make all the difference in not only building your network, but in giving you the confidence to meet people you otherwise wouldn't have met or accept a social invitation that you might have declined. First, prepare your "elevator speech." Write a summary of what you want people to know about you that can be delivered in less than 30 seconds. Second, show interest in what others have to say. Many career experts suggest the secret is to stop focusing on yourself and take an interest in the other person. And finally, keep tabs on who is doing what within the industry while keeping track of connections. Becoming a font of industry knowledge is a sure-fire way to make yourself known.
Use Everyday Opportunities
Network-building activities should be natural extensions of your everyday life. Whether it's during your daily commute, at an industry conference or a social gathering, be confident in sharing what you do and listen with intent to what others have to say. In addition, build time into your daily schedule to touch base with old colleagues and friends. A quick phone call or an email to say hello, remember an anniversary or ask how a project is going is time well spent both personally and professionally. |
