Most professionals use relatively traditional approaches when networking. For example, they engage with other people from their field while at industry conferences or reach out on social media to connect with former colleagues, classmates, or similar people, and communicate with them solely online.
While those activities can provide value, it’s also wise to branch out and forge meaningful connections in other ways. Here are some unconventional tactics for networking that could help you move toward your next job opportunity.
Take Advantage of Chance Encounters
Networking isn’t an activity that has to take place in specific settings, such as on LinkedIn or at a conference. Instead, it’s something professionals can do at almost any time, allowing them to make the most of chance encounters.
Ultimately, professionals cross paths with a wide array of people throughout their days. You never know who’s waiting in line next to you at a coffee shop or is seated next to you on a plane. By striking up a casual conversation, you may discover that the person could be a valuable addition to your network.
Another benefit of this casual approach is that it’s low-pressure. If you don’t click, you’ll part ways in relatively short order with no harm done. As a result, it can be an excellent platform for improving your in-person networking skills, as it’s a relatively low-stakes strategy if things don’t go as planned.
Find Opportunities to Speak or Lead
Many professionals attend networking events, but only a few seize the opportunity to speak or lead a session. If you have clear expertise in a specific niche and can position yourself as a thought leader, seizing opportunities to take center stage can work in your favor.
Whether it’s speaking at a conference or in front of a class of college students studying your field, you can demonstrate your value to a wide audience. Plus, it increases the odds that people will actively seek out ways to approach you, which can make connecting simpler if you otherwise struggle to break the ice with new people.
Engage with Gatekeepers
Most professionals admire specific high-level leaders within their niche, but they don’t always have a chance to engage with them directly. If you want to open that door, don’t focus on forcing that connection. The majority of leaders in their industry are inundated with requests to network, so your chances of standing out are slim.
Instead, find opportunities to engage with the gatekeepers, typically administrative professionals that serve as a doorway between the leader and the general public. Often, gatekeepers possess a wealth of knowledge on their own. Plus, if you develop a rapport and provide them with suitable value as a member of their network, they may be open to introducing you to the person you admire, allowing you to connect with them, too.
Ultimately, branching out when networking works in your favor, as it may lead to new opportunities that weren’t previously accessible. If you’d like to connect with a recruiter to expand your job search reach, The Squires Group wants to hear from you. Contact us today.
