The #1 Networking Skill Every Young Professional Should Have

“You need to network” is something you hear often.

Especially when you’re just starting out in your career. Every young professional knows networking is important. And it’s true – you definitely need to make it part of your routine.

Building meaningful relationships impacts your success. And there really is a science and art to it! Once you nail it, everything else falls into place.

But in order to nail it, there’s one skill every new grad and young professional should have first. What is it? It’s an understanding of what networking truly is.

You’ve heard of it. You have an idea of it. But what is it, really?

Networking is a way of thinking.

It’s pretty simple: be positive in your approach to relationship-building, and you get the most from it. Just like anything else you did in school, you get out what you put into it.

There’s a popular concept that networking is something dirty. It’s only dirty if you treat it that way! When you’re in the right networking mindset and develop the right networking habits, you make the right connections.

It’s about establishing your value.

What do you bring to the table? How are you an asset to others? To create connections you first need to determine the value you offer. We have a tool you can download here that helps you do it. You’d be surprised at how much your skills and experience can offer!

Once you assess your value, extend it to those in your networks. No matter how big or small. The simplest gestures go a long way! And builds the foundation for forming strong ties that last.

It’s about being present.

This means to ask intriguing questions when meeting with people – and then also listen closely to their answers. It’s about effective communication. And your actions must be genuine when you are building relationships.

You should want to engage and have a conversation with people in your networks. You should have a sincere desire to learn more about them. If not, then it’s time to assess who you are surrounding yourself with. It’s OK to say goodbye to those who offer nothing but negativity. It’s good for your health!

It’s playing the long game.

Lay the groundwork from the start to form long-term connections. Doing so early in your career sets you apart from your peers. This puts you on the right track to a continuous affiliation down the road.

There are many positive effects of long-term relationships. The potential client referrals, consistently being top-of-mind, access to career guidance, or even developing friendships. Once you discover a mutual interest, shape it into something valuable. When you share (or even don’t share) common ideas, goals, or resources, this guides the development of your connection.

It’s about opportunities.

Networking is usually associated with finding a new job. And something you must do when searching for a new role. Yes, your relationships are a gateway to the hidden job market. But the opportunities don’t end there.

Having robust networks can be very resourceful. When you need advice or information on something who do you turn to? Your networks! And strong connections put you in contact with a pool of individuals supplying many benefits who can impact you both personally and professionally.

You also have an opportunity to take advantage of our certification program. We cover the basic and advanced fundamentals of relationship-building and put you on the path to gaining a certification in professional networking. Enroll today and become a NetWorkWise Certified Professional (NWW-CP)!

Throughout your career, you should continue to develop your understanding of what networking really is. This will evolve as you continue to grow and nurture your networks. And if you’ve done it right, the connections you have made will provide mutual benefits and strong foundations for long-term relationships.

See original article on Quora