The art of networking early in your career

A network can be a lot of things: a ‘guy,’ a group of friends, a client, a guy in a high place, a work colleague, or even an ex. But, basically, a network is a group of people you know and are connected to somehow. 

If you’re trying to build yourself in any capacity, then you must have heard of networking, how to build a network, why you should build a network, how it can change your life, and much more good stuff. That’s because having a strong network could be the unfair advantage that takes your career from a ten to a hundred.

Why you should build a network

Building a solid network can do wonders for your career. First of all, if you have a network of like-minded people, you could easily build yourself an environment that helps you work better and more efficiently, as you would get motivation, tools, and tips from those who are doing the same thing. You’ll also have people who can share some of their opportunities and vice versa. You’ll have people to carry some of the workload for you.

Also, it is a Nigerian dream to have people mention your name in a room or office full of influential people that could change your life. A good network can bring your name to such a gathering. 

The trick question now would be, how do you build such a network?

How to build a network

Here are a few tips that would open the doors to a strong network that would help you grow at the start of your career. 

Think of making friends. 

As counterintuitive as it may sound, a good friendship is the foundation of a solid partnership and a network overall. No matter how accomplished some people are, they would rather not acquaint themselves with people who only want to know them for how much they can benefit from them. If you do that, you might seem like an opportunist.

A partnership between people is made on a foundation of trust, which can only be gotten when you show your human side. The part of you that isn’t exactly here for business. The part that has a shared interest, a family that they love, a dream they’re trying to fulfill, and much more. 

Thinking of making friends first would wire you to not move like an opportunist; instead, you’d have it in you to put the new partner at ease so that they would want to do business with you. 

Once your relationship can move beyond being partners or acquaintances, they’d be more than likely to help you further down the road, and when they get to that room full of opportunities, they’d easily remember your name. 

Network in a straight line.

This is one of the most relevant tips you can find if you’re looking to build a network early on. By networking in a straight line, we simply mean going after people who are on the same or similar levels as you are. People of the same age, the same educational level, and the same level career-wise. They’re much easier to reach, and their partnerships are bound to be much more valuable.

A lot of people want to go right in and get acquainted with the movers and shakers. The big shots that have lots of accomplishments in their pockets. However, the problem with that is the fact that those people are barely reachable and probably not looking to make any new friends. On the other hand, people who are on similar levels are most likely looking to grow their network just as you are. They’re the ones you should be focusing on.

While your colleagues might not be where they want to be or where you’ll expect them to be, they have just enough time and effort to assist you when you need it. You can easily build friendships with them, and you have a lot of time to strengthen the relationships. They’ll be your go-to guys as you grow, which is more valuable than any other kind of network.

Network with people that are making headway. 

As you network with people around your level, it is important to note that not everyone is worth the effort. While you’re looking straight and forwards, you’ve moved your focus from achievements and accomplishments; however, you have to focus on potential and little wins.

Not everyone is worth the effort, sadly. Some people will end up not adding any value to the network. To avoid that, you need to filter out people that have some potential. This part may feel selfish or sinister, but you have to be intentional about your clique. These are people that would always be associated with you one way or the other. You need to make sure it’s someone that can make some moves by themselves.

Headway in this case doesn’t have to be a major breakthrough. It’s the little progress they make that shows they’re really into whatever it is they’re doing, which would make them a valuable asset to you in the future.

Offer value first.

Networking is hardly a road that goes in one direction. As you evaluate who should and who shouldn’t be part of your network, people evaluate you in return. Nobody wants someone who seems like they have nothing to offer. Which is why you have to firstly show you have something of value to offer them, no matter how small. And once you get through that door, you have to make sure you can add value to them when necessary, else you’ll be little more than a leech.

You have to remember, networking is not about one-sidedly taking value. You have to give in return.

Make sure you follow up.

Sounds like a no-brainer, but it actually isn't. A lot of people meet people in different places, exchange contacts, say hi or hello, and forget to reply to texts from that moment on. Some people might actually carry a full conversation; however, they don’t follow up to make sure another one happens. If you’re going to build a network, you have to make sure this isn’t you. 

Be sure to answer texts and calls and master the art of following up. Open the door to conversations until you’ve built a genuine relationship with the one you’re trying to network with.

Feeling a little anxious is understandable; however, you must not let anxiety get in the way of the things you want to achieve.

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