Entrepreneurship: Networking As a College Graduate

 

Tools For Success: 6 Tips to Network and Market Yourself Once Out of School

By Emily Kulinowski

A group of people sitting around a conference table and talking

According to an article by CareerBlog, “One of the biggest reasons why networking is beneficial is that 70% of the jobs are not even advertised on job websites and 85% of the vacancies are filled via referrals.”

Summer is halfway through, and a new wave of college students are entering the workforce ready to start their careers. For many college graduates, this is both an exciting and overwhelming time navigating their professional journey and trying to build their network now that they are out of school.

Life As a College Graduate

I have been fortunate in being able to live back at home with my parents since graduating college. It’s given me a space to figure out my dream job and save up some money in the meantime.

Since graduation I’ve landed three amazing part-time jobs- all because of my network and having a connection to someone at the business. Having personal connections you can reach out to is a great way to get your foot in the door in the music business.

Building and maintaining your network connections isn’t always easy, especially if your home is far from your school.

Having some tips on how to network once a college graduate can help you market yourself, get your dream job, and build connections that last a lifetime.

1.Become a Member on LinkedIn

LinkedIn is an essential tool in building your network and making lasting connections. It is a great tool to connect you with people you may already know from school, as well as get your name out for their connections to see.

While social media platforms can be great to connect with your friends and family, LinkedIn provides a professional space for you to create new people, stay in touch and revisit older connections. It allows you to share with your network what you’re up to on your career path.

Your professors and fellow alumni would be glad to keep in touch and may have connections with people working in the same line of work as you.

When you make lasting connections it’s important to stay in touch. You don’t need to talk all the time, but doing things such as liking and commenting when they get a promotion or start a new job can be a great way to remind them you’re in their network.

Being present on LinkedIn keeps you in touch with your network, and is a great way to promote your work experience for possible future employers.

2.Attend Networking Events

Some of the most effective connection building happens in person, so putting yourself out there at networking events can be very beneficial.

Anything from conferences, concerts, workshops, fundraisers, or other industry events can lead you to sparking meaningful connections with other industry professionals. 

“You can make more friends in two months by becoming interested in other people than you can in two years trying to get other people interested in you.”
— Dale Carnegie

Be sure to be sincere when reaching out and talking to other professionals. If you want others to show interest in you, you must show interest in others. Don’t be afraid to research some of the attendees ahead of time so you’re better informed.

Be sure to have an elevator pitch in your back pocket- you never know who you’ll meet. Ask questions that show your interest in them and their work. Bring business cards so the connections you make can find you online.

While networking is often about building connections for professional reasons, don’t forget to have fun and make friends. Treat every conversation like you’re making a new friend. Being friendly, approachable, and kind can open doors for more friends to have your back.

3.Get Your Name Out

In a digital age where everything is at the touch of our fingertips, it’s crucial to have ways of getting your name out to your audience and prospective employers. Social media is a great way to promote yourself and your skills.

Who you know and the connections you have is what the music industry is about. Signing on to a variety of projects can be a great way to meet new people and build strong bonds with people that could even last a lifetime.

You never know who you will meet- don’t turn down an opportunity to get your name out there. Anyone you meet could end up being a helpful connection, and you could be the same for someone else.

Having an online presence will help people discover you and learn more about your work. Being searchable can allow those who already know you to share your work with others, and you can communicate with your audience by sharing your story online.

A lot of networking happens online so be sure your website and social media accounts are up to date so your name can get out to the right people. Who knows who you might reach!

5 Ways To Build Your Network- The Den Collective

5 Ways To Build Your Network- The Den Collective

4.Focus On Them Instead of You

It’s easy to want to jump to the part where you ask if someone can take an interview with you or let you play on a gig. However, people don’t want to be bombarded by favors or requests- especially after just meeting someone.

It’s important to be genuinely interested in what someone does and has to say. Expressing interest in a potential employer not only shows you really care about the work they do, but it also shows you see it as more than just a job or person. You see it as a longterm friendship and employment.

Asking questions is great because it allows you to get to know others better, and shows them you’re seriously interested in what they have to say. Be sure to let them talk; this is your time to be a great listener. 

I know it can be overwhelming at times, but be sure to attentively listen to what they have to say. They may have amazing advice or even offer you connections if the conversation goes well. 

Focusing on them can also shift your nerves away from talking too much about your interest in landing that job. Be open, honest, friendly, and try to make genuine connections and find common interests. As stated in an article by Forbes, “Generosity is an attractive quality and it’s something special that people will remember about you.” 

5.Follow Up

One of the harder aspects of networking and marketing yourself is being sure to follow up with your connections. Once you’ve established that first connection with someone, it’s important to follow up with them and reach out to build on your initial interaction.

Here are some tips for following up:

  • After your first interaction, be sure to follow them on various social media platforms (if you don’t already.) 

  • If you have their direct contact information, send them an email or message reminding them who you are and what you talked about. This is a great way to document and help remember who both you and other people have met and establishes a solid introduction trail

  • Like and comment on projects, performances, and other works they are involved in 

  • Message or email them reaching out with questions or interest in projects they are currently a part of

  • Be sure to thank them for taking the time to talk to you, and offer to assist them in any way you can

Everyone is so busy nowadays, so when you say you will follow up with someone you should follow through. It only takes one minute to reach out to connect with someone.

6.Always Say Thank You

Building your network of connections and marketing yourself is about creating a genuine relationship and image. Be honest and open about yourself with your audience and when networking.

Be sure to thank your connection for taking the time to speak with you- because they could have been talking with someone else. Saying thank you and offering help can be a great way to show your new connection that you care more about growing your relationship than getting something out of this one interaction.

Keep notes about your contacts so you can learn more about them and have a personal touch the next time you interact with them

It’s important to be honest and genuine because you don’t want a foundation of a relationship based on fabrication. Let your audience and network get to know the real you and have a better understanding of your work and where your passion comes from.

A small act like saying thank you can be a positive way to end a conversation and lets the other person know you care.

Two people shaking hands

Sustaining Your Network

Maintaining relationships and your network can feel a bit overwhelming, especially when you have a lot going on in your life. Having some tools and tips for building and sustaining your network connections can be a helpful way to ensure they last a lifetime.

The Den Collective partners with career coach Kristen Klehr and life coach Alex Campbell to provide sessions on personal wellbeing and goal setting. More information on our coaches can be found here.

Knowing how to network once out of college will help you build a solid foundation that your career can expand upon. Myself and The Den Collective are here to support and help in any way we can!

 
Tips & Advice, EntrepreneurshipEmily KulinowskiEmily Kulinowski, networking, network, college graduate, marketable, making connections, personal connectionsComment