Networking is, hands down, one of the most valuable ways to stay current in the PR industry and make 
connections to be utilized in your job search. I attained my current internship at Formstack through an alumnus I worked with at Anderson University, and I feel very blessed to call her a good friend now. However, networking is not a finite action; no one can ever claim he or she has “finished” networking. We all must be persistent in our networking endeavors so we can evolve and deepen our connections with peers and colleagues. Recently, I sat in on a meeting where some of my peers were discussing networking connections they made over the summer. I met several credible professionals during my summer at Formstack (several of whom were mentioned by other students in the meeting), but I found myself overwhelmed by all of the name-dropping going on during the meeting. Reflecting on the meeting, I realized that networking is an ongoing action, but – like so many other aspects of life – it must be done in moderation. So here are some ways to create (and maintain!) positive and beneficial networking connections:
- If you connect with someone online, get to know them first before asking for favors. I have several Twitter connections that I have never met in real life, and possibly never will. However, I have guest blogged on their websites and asked advice from them. None of this would have been achieved if I didn’t already have a solid online relationship with them. Interact with connections you make online – reply to their Tweets, Retweet them, or mention them in Follow Friday (#FF) Tweets. This will make it less awkward when you’d like to utilize their social reach.
- If you meet someone in person, connect with them online. This is so important. If you meet someone at a conference or other networking event, connect with them as soon as possible so you can continue the networking relationship. Once this has happened, repeat tip number one.
- Don’t be the networking equivalent of a one night stand. If you meet up with a networking connection for coffee, don’t leave them hanging afterward. Send them an email thanking them for the meeting, and continue to interact with them online. Discuss upcoming conferences with them and plan to cross paths again.
- Don’t make it a competition. Remember: it’s not all about a number when it comes to networking. While you should always strive to meet new connections, focus on cultivating quality connections and maintaining them, rather than working towards a certain number. It’s less exhausting.
What do you do to maintain your networking connections? What do you tell yourself when you get overwhelmed by the networking process?
Image cred: Study Abroad 101