What are the best ways to network?
Posted by stealth941@reddit | AskUK | View on Reddit | 18 comments
Yes networking events are one but how do i go about doing this? Is it a case of just walking upto people at tech events and just talking? I'm in the tech industry and want to start going to these sorts of things because otherwise i don't think i can find another job without it!
I'm a bit of an introvert but i think it's time to step out of my comfort zone and get this done. What have you done to network and how has it benefited you?
CulturalTortoise@reddit
Yes, find relevant events in your industry and attend. Walk around, make conversation. Ignore that other comment..
stealth941@reddit (OP)
Saw it haha, i tend to just ignore negative things tbh no point wasting my precious seconds with it
CulturalTortoise@reddit
Shout if I can help at all mate
Bobby777236@reddit
Personally, I like to TCP IP.
Neither_Process_7847@reddit
Exactly this- go to events, get chatting, find points of common interest and swap business cards / LinkedIn identities.
LordSolstice@reddit
I go to a bunch of networking events. Usually I find them on Meetup. Or sometimes other avenues (LinkedIn etc.)
But yeah, just go to the events and strike up conversation with pretty much anyone you come into contact with. Yes, it does mean putting yourself outside your comfort zone - but everyone is there to mingle and network so they're not going to bite your head off.
Literally just walk up to someone and say "Hi, I'm stealth941" and get the ball rolling from there. You'll find that there will be a lot of other nervous people mingling around, there's a lot of value in being a "nucleus" and drawing those people into the conversation as well and forming a little group.
The key to networking is all about providing value to others, not just taking. So always go into conversations thinking "what value can I provide this person" - maybe it's skills, knowledge, some tools you found, a thought on their business/problem - whatever. However small it may be.
Have some discussions, learn some stuff, exchange LinkedIns, move onto the next group. Rinse and repeat.
If there's drink afterwards, ALWAYS go to them. The majority of the rapport building, bonding and networking happens in smaller groups when the drinks are flowing.
Take some photos, then the next day write some corny LinkedIn post about how great it was and how much you learned, tag loads of people in it.
Send out a bunch of direct messages and follow ups to anyone of interest.
Resident-Rise-8457@reddit
The fact that u need to ask other people for help for something so novice means ur not gonna pull it off, u need to work on urself a lil bit more, because confidence is not just a quality but ART š¼ļø, which people cannot stop to admire .
CodeBeginning6548@reddit
This is absolutely toilet advice. Asking for help is a really admirable trait and is no barrier to networking. Just because OP may not be the most confident or outgoing in the room, doesn't mean they will fail at networking. I always avoid the loudest peacocks at networking events anyway, and have made some great contacts and friends by just being myself (a fellow introvert) and casually chatting to others on the sidelines.
Resident-Rise-8457@reddit
Cool, u disagree. But I donāt see how uve helped answer his question , other than to criticise mine. Atleast provide the folk with better advice.
CodeBeginning6548@reddit
I have helped OP by telling them to ignore your awful advice (although I'm sure they would have anyway). I then provided a bit of reassurance around my own experience of networking events whilst also being an introvert.
I'm really sorry that you didn't understand that from my comment.
stealth941@reddit (OP)
Yeah i ignored it, don't waste your time with it some people will never be happy in life and want to bring down others!
Resident-Rise-8457@reddit
Nah bro, u should make another comment on this thread , detailing and giving a better response, i think op would āadmireā that
CodeBeginning6548@reddit
I have helped OP by telling them to ignore your awful advice (although I'm sure they would have anyway). I then provided a bit of reassurance around my own experience of networking events whilst also being an introvert.
I'm really sorry that you didn't understand that from my comment.
VolcanicBear@reddit
Conferences in my experience. I tend to only go to them if I'm presenting, but if you can manage it then presenting will get your name out there (hopefully for the right reasons).
My employer puts them on, but if you can manage to present at Kubecon, that kind of thing (if it's relevant to you) then people will generally come your way.
Tayyxb@reddit
Literally what it says in the tin - Don't feel shy or ashamed. I know exactly what you mean because I'm an introvert to. Networking events are for people to network, they'll get approached by 100 people that day so just do what you need to do.
Single_Classroom_448@reddit
Well you say you're in the tech industry but what kind of tech? Are you a SWE? If so you could find yourself networking by getting active in a community that revolves around an open source software, contribtuing where appropriate
dbxp@reddit
Have a beer and moan about things. Recruiters usually sponsor the events too and will try to talk to devs as they try to avoid them.
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