As an alumni career coach, I am often asked for best practices or tips and tricks of networking. Actively building a network, especially before you need it, is a task most clients are less than enthusiastic to implement. Connecting with strangers on LinkedIn, attending a networking mixer alone to work the room, or reaching out to an acquaintance from years ago for a coffee seem daunting and can often be less than fruitful.

Whether networking drains or recharges your battery, we can all be more strategic in the ways we connect with others at IU alumni networking events or in our chosen professional industry. When I ask clients about their preferred networking style, there’s usually a pause and a sigh of defeat as they share that they either hate networking or that they attend networking event after networking event with no solid leads to help move their career forward.

Below I share three quick strategies that can help kick start building a network now.

1. Get your “why” statement on point. Your professional brand should make a lasting impression and Simon Sinek’s “Starts With Why” approach will help do just that. By starting with why you’re excited to go to work every day, what gets your blood pumping, and when you’re regularly playing to your strengths will paint a picture for your networking contacts of how you show up as an engaged professional every day (and how they might be able to connect you to the right people and the right career opportunities).
2. Reframe the idea of “networking” as relationship building. Networking can come across as too transactional—“I want something, you have it.” Instead, by making the effort to build bonds and relationships, it shifts to a relational endeavor. “How can I help you?” or “This is why our connection would be meaningful to my career growth…” are great ways to establish relationships that will last beyond your initial meeting.
3. Share knowledge. Becoming a subject matter expert will spotlight your brand as a professional for go-to information. In networking conversations, have something meaningful to say and can relate it back to the work others are doing. Caveat: Don’t pretend to offer knowledge you don’t know or are unsure about. It’s better to share, “That’s a great point/question, let me get back to you.” This buys you a bit of time to be thorough and correct in your response and to build trust with those who have looked to you for the right answer. It’s better to have the right answer than the answer right now.

For more networking best practices, our coaches recommend Adam Grant’s TED podcast Worklife or schedule your free (discounted) career coaching session with our experienced coaches at iualumnicareers.com.