Networking Secrets - July 16, 2024

TODAY’S TO DO 🚩

Give your LinkedIn profile some TLC. 🌐 Online networking can be a little tricky, but you’ll have more chances of standing out and making a good impression by filling in key sections, using a professional headshot and updating your information. Latest LinkedIn tips →

GETTING AHEAD 🚀

Network like a pro 😎

Networking events can be tedious and often hard to attend — especially if you’re a caregiver or you have another job outside of your 9-to-5. But for years, we’ve been told networking is essential to climb the career ladder — and it’s proven to be true! 🌟

That said, in order to network successfully, you have to play the long game. Talk to the other party, take them out for a coffee or lunch, stay in contact and eventually, much further down the line, you’ll receive some real value out of the relationship. Something that Gen Zers aren’t used to or particularly interested in doing.

So, how do you network like a pro when you have little time available? Here are some key steps to follow:

🙂 Be authentic. It’s far better to talk to or reach out to one or two people from an event (be it in person or online) and spark a genuine conversation than mass-DMing half of your LinkedIn followers.

🤝 Follow up. After your networking event, while you’re fresh in each other's minds, follow up with a recap of what you spoke about, along with any useful information you can give them.

🌐 Maintain an online presence. When it comes to networking, you should have an active online presence to spark conversation and allow people to approach you. You can forge connections behind a screen too!

✋ Put yourself out there. Just like dating, it can be awkward attending an event alone or approaching someone online. That said, it’s important to push through the awkwardness and put yourself out there. The more you do it, the more you’ll feel comfortable walking into a room and being able to navigate through it.

— Joanna Zambas

GROWTH HUB 🌱

🎨 TO CONQUER: Investing in personal branding is one of the most effective ways to advance your career.

💭 TO CONSIDER: Making connections doesn’t just have to do with how well you talk — but also how well you listen.

🙊 TO GET YOU THERE: Break the ice with these formal conversation starters at your next networking event.

🤝 TOGETHER WITH CLOUDDEVS

CAREER INSPO 💡

IN THE SPOTLIGHT 🔦

The hidden rules of networking

You’ve most likely attended a networking event. And, if you have, you probably walked into the room, straight to the food table to keep yourself busy and avoid hovering around awkwardly on your own. But that’s not the way to do it.

Author and CEO Crystal Lim-Lang shares her top tips and hang-out zones to focus on at networking events. See more below 👇

WORK TRENDS 📈

Greece defends six-day workweek legislation. 📜 Following backlash from workers, labor unions and policy experts, the Greek government said the policy is an “exceptional measure” applied to “specific circumstances”. Read the story →

TODAY’S GIFT ⚡

EXTRA BRAIN FUEL 🧠

💰 Top 30 Personal Finance Tips: From using handy apps to taking daily “money minutes”, there are multiple ways to improve your finances.

🤖 How to Use AI to Write Your Résumé: Adding generative AI to your toolkit can give you an edge during your job search.

🤝 15 Types of Negotiation Skills: Master the art of negotiation with the help of our extensive guide.

THE BREAK ROOM 🍴

🧡🧡🧡 Yes, loved it!
💩 Nope, could have been better…