By Hannah Riffle
We know that networking is a ‘major key’ to success in the public relations industry. Many students are afraid of networking, but it should be a fun process. The first step to making it fun is changing the ‘o’ to an ‘e’. Why work when you can ‘werk’?
The buzzword is thrown around, but what are the best ways to network effectively?
Add value.
So, you realize that it has been a while since you’ve been in contact with someone in your network. You want to reach out, but you have nothing valuable to say. It is better to wait a bit longer, until you have something purposeful to add to the conversation.
Stay in contact across multiple platforms.
Email is not the only way to converse. Follow them on Twitter. Read their blogs. Attend lectures where they are presenting. Send notes in the mail. Set up a time for an informational interview over the phone or at a coffee shop. Depending on the person you are networking with, some of these options may be more appropriate than others. Evaluate the situation and step out from behind that email address.
Use Twitter strategically.
Is it a brand or organization that you want to connect with, or is it a specific public relations professional? If it’s a brand, follow this brand’s progress. For example, I am a big fan of Swift Collective. I tweeted them, they responded and now they know I am a fan of what they do.
Twitter gives aspiring professionals access to high-level mentors and industry leaders…and it’s free! Read here about a student who earned a job offer based off of a tweet.
Attend conferences.
PRSSA offers opportunities for members from across the nation to gather for professional development (and fun). National Conference occurs every fall. From Oct. 21-25, it will be held in Indianapolis! This spring, check out a regional conference. At the conferences, you will meet hundreds of driven peers and dozens of industry professionals. The insights from attending sessions and workshops plus the connections will make you more marketable, open-minded and excited about delving into your career.
Make it a priority.
When you have homework due, internships to apply for and meetings to attend, it’s easy to put off developing and maintaining your network. Don’t do what is easy. Do what is most valuable. Make time in your schedule to contact your peers and mentors. When you land your dream internship or job, you’ll be glad you did.
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