24 Jul 3 Easy Ways To Improve The Way You Network
By Ashley Edwards Walker, Glamour.com
I recently chatted with Lauren Berger, founder and CEO of InternQueen.com and author of the new book, Welcome To The Real World: Finding Your Place, Perfecting Your Work, And Turning Your Job Into Your Dream Career. If you’re working on snagging your dream job (that’s most of us) she had some great tips for maintaining professional relationships even when you’re tempted to slack off because it is gorgeous outside.
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First, Find An Accountability Partner
That’s right, I said an accountability partner, not a mentor (we’ll get to that in a minute). Berger suggests choosing someone who’s at or near your same career level and shares similar goals, but works in a different industry. “Sometimes if you’re working too closely with someone on the day-to-day it becomes more of a competition than a conversation,” explains Berger. Aim to check in once a week and keep the conversation on track by focusing on the three things you’re working on that week.
Want a Mentor? Look Inside Of Your Company
“You want to pick someone who’s senior, but not the head-head in charge—think one to three levels above you,” says Berger. “Any higher than that and you start getting removed.” Already have a mentor? Schedule a recurring meeting or call for every four to six weeks. And remember, warns Berger, this isn’t a one-sided relationship. “Take the time to learn about their experiences rather than just firing away questions.”
But When It Comes To Your Other Contacts, Use The Rule Of Three
“Definitely not lunch,” clarifies Berger. “If we all got together with all of our contacts three times per year we’d be fat and broke.” Instead, she suggests sending out a quick email—three to four sentences, max—a few times a year. “You’re saying hello, you’re letting them know what you’re up to, perhaps you’re telling them about something you saw that weekend that reminded you of them.” Google alerts can also be handy here, notes Berger, who tracks many of her key contacts that way. “Any time they’re getting prompted, mentioned in the media, a blog, you’re aware of it and it gives you that reason to reach out.”
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