If there is anything you could take away from the Come Recommended blog, it’s the importance of networking – not only find a job, but to sustain a career. Tips and do’s for networking are in abundance (see: “A “Monster” Guide To Online Networking”).
If you’ve been maintaining your network for awhile, consider taking some time to evaluate your success. Rachel Dotson on Brazen Careerist lists six mistakes that rookie networkers make (see full list here). Consider below three networking mistakes that Gen Y networkers make and three tips for how to correct them:
No Diversity. Dotson explains that having too many or not enough connections of one age group and industry can be a bad thing. Why? It can stifle making meaningful connections when you can’t relate to either older or different professionals. It can also hinder your growth when you only talk to young professionals and those in your field. Do your best to a have strong and mutually beneficial connection with one of each: someone the same age as you, someone older, someone in your field, and someone in a different industry.
No Expansion. If you’re a recent grad and moved back to your hometown or a completely new area – consider making new contacts. Though keeping connections with former classmates or coworkers is important, having a bunch of connections in a place far away cannot be very helpful in your current location. Take time to meet others at work and join a professional organization in your industry (where attending the meetings and events is a surefire way to make new connections and find out about the field in your area).
Using One Channel. Gen Y is famously known for being naturally technology and Internet savvy – so there’s no excuse to only stick to Facebook or Twitter! Consider making profiles for a few other sites for professional use only – some alternatives include Google+ and LinkedIn.
Finding out what works and what doesn’t work, and more importantly, what habits to break, can make you a more efficient networker in no time.
For other networking tips, see: “6 Networking Tips That Pay Off” & “Networking: It’s Not All About Who You Know”
Do you agree with these mistakes? What networking tips do you have for Gen Y professionals?
