Make Your Accomplishments Stand Out

career networking, networking strategy, Career Strategy

This is perhaps the most CRUCIAL aspect of any career strategy.  Building a personal brand goes hand-in-hand with an extensive network of like-minded individuals that will give you best chances of being visible in a crowd of qualified candidates.

Networking on the outside of an organization:

As much as you may like your coworkers, advancing your career usually depends on your ability to earn recognition outside the office. Your next job offer or major client is likely to come from someone who doesn't work by your side each day. Regardless of your position, you can gain people's attention. Try these techniques for promoting your career while helping others online and off. That way they'll remember you when they're ready to make new hires or looking for a consultant.

Building Recognition Online :
  1. Optimize your LinkedIn Profile. Your LinkedIn profile may be more important than your resume these days. Keep your summary current and compelling. Recruiters may be shopping for passive candidates or potential clients may be looking for someone with your qualifications.  A great starting resource can be found here.
  2. Seek feedback. Collecting positive feedback from others strengthens your credibility. Ask for recommendations and endorsements on LinkedIn. Gather quotes that you can use on your website. Offer testimonials to others too.  
  3. Join forums. Take part in discussion groups related to your field. Be positive and focus on people who you may want to follow up with.  
  4. Post comments. Let colleagues know when you're impressed with their articles or find them thought provoking. Provide useful information and links to other reputable sources. When appropriate, include your website or other contact information so others can get in touch with you.  
  5. Start a blog. Contribute to your company blog or start your own. Stay on topic and provide fresh content so readers will have a reason to keep coming back. Interview leaders in your field or comment on a popular news story. Review a new software package or report on a major conference.  
  6. Publish articles. Contact sites that advertise for outside authors. Check their policies on making payments or providing bylines. If possible, include your photo, social media links, and other contact information to drive traffic to your website.  
  7. Become a media source. Journalists need experts in all kinds of fields to verify facts and give them quotes. Develop a relationship with reporters who specialize in your field or work at local newspapers. Email them with a brief bio and story ideas. Reply promptly if they request details for a piece they're working on.
Building Recognition Offline :
  1. Participate in your professional association. Become active in the local chapter of your professional association. Attend the monthly lunches and show up early for networking. Volunteer to serve on the welcoming committee or help with planning the annual fundraising dinner.  
  2. Attend networking events. Check the community calendar in your local newspaper. Register for a workshop on social media or drop in on a book signing by a leader in your field.  
  3. Be prepared. Business leads can turn up anywhere. Carry business cards with you in case you run into someone interesting while you're having your dog groomed or washing your car.  
  4. Speak in public. Brush up on your public speaking skills. You may be able to arrange high-paying appearances, or arrange a slot on the schedule at the next career day at your daughter's middle school.  
  5. Volunteer in your community. Select a charity you care about and propose a volunteer project that will involve working with others. You could research historical information or strategize a marketing campaign.  
  6. Mentor others. Reach out to students and young professionals. You can learn a lot by teaching others.  
Uncover exciting opportunities by making your strengths and accomplishments widely known. Sharing your expertise with others online and face-to-face is a great way to extend your network and become more marketable.

Networking on the inside of an organization:

The colleagues who work by your side each day provide some of your best opportunities for developing close friendships and gathering constructive feedback. Boost your job satisfaction and advance your career by schmoozing closer to home. Consider these suggestions for internal networking.

Internal Networking for Everyday Situations :
  1. Lend a hand. Being generous will help you develop strong relationships around the office. Volunteer your services when a colleague is trying to meet a tight deadline. Share your expertise in situations where your insight can make a difference.  
  2. Take initiative. Cultivate a reputation for going the extra mile. Earn trust by being a top performer.  
  3. Speak up. Conflicts rarely resolve themselves. Don't be afraid to talk through issues (tactfully, of course) when they arise and before they grow into more serious clashes that can undermine a positive workflow.  
  4. Communicate face to face. While it's quicker to text or send an email, face-to-face discussions have many advantages. Let others know you value them enough to spend time with them. A personal touch increases engagement.  
  5. Listen closely. Give others your full attention. They'll appreciate your interest, and you'll learn more about them. That knowledge will help you ask relevant questions and avoid misunderstandings.  
  6. Share a laugh. Work is just work,so remember to lighten up. Having a positive and light-hearted attitude at work can also get others around you to open up.
  7. Eat together. If you're usually swamped with paperwork or phone calls, take advantage of lunch hours. Spend a half hour in the break room or invite the whole department to try out a bar, coffee shop, or restaurant.   
  8. Show you care. Simple gestures can show your coworkers that they matter to you (remembering their interests, their kids' names, etc). 
Internal Networking for Special Occasions :
  1. Mingle at office parties. Maybe you have a position where your interactions are limited to the same few people each day. Use birthday parties and summer picnics to extend your circle. Chat with a peer in another department.  
  2. Bond at retreats. Corporate retreats provide an opportunity for profound discussion and silly games. See your coworkers from a new angle.  
  3. Participate in staff meetings. Staff meetings will fly by more quickly when you take an active part in the proceedings. Thank the accounting department for explaining the new timesheets. Share what you learned at a business roundtable.  
  4. Ace your orientation. If you're new on the job, ask your supervisor to point out a stellar employee you can emulate. Make them a top priority for your internal networking.  
  5. Greet new hires. If you've been on the team for a while, go out of your way to welcome the newcomers. Your extra efforts will stand out when they're trying to memorize a ton of new names and faces. Plus, teaching is a great way of learning, so you may pick up a few pointers as you guide them around.  
  6. Transition gracefully. While you'll probably move on to another organization eventually, your last days can be a productive period when you adapt your relationships to changing circumstances. Exchange contact information and make specific plans to stay in touch instead of counting on having lunch someday.  
There's much more to networking than handing out business cards. Connecting with colleagues inside your company can be just as important as participating in any external event or Meetup group. Building genuine relationships with your office mates will strengthen your network and make your impact more meaningful.