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A few weeks ago I sent out an invitation for you to be my Weekend Guest by guest posting on Chasing Joy. This weekend I am happy to welcome the Classy Career Girl. The Classy Career Girl is the author of the blog Classy Career Girl. Classy Career Girl is where you go to be Happy, Successful and Balanced. That sounds like a trifecta for Chase Joy! Let’s check out what the Classy Career Girl can tell us about how to have a more Joyful career experience. Here is her post: How to Knock Down Your Networking Barriers
Networking is crucial for career growth and is the stepping-stone that can help you reach your dreams and goals. Many people think networking is simply building relationships and meeting people. But, strategic networking is different. Strategic networking is focused with a goal in mind. Here are some barriers that can stand in the way of strategic networking:
1) Not being clear about what you want: You need to know where you want to go. Write it down, create a career map and identify the holes that might arise. A recent study showed that only 5% of Americans have goals written down. Being clear about what you want and writing it down is the only way that you will be able to find out who you need to talk to in order to learn the information you need to reach your goals.
2) Being afraid to ask others for help. I recently heard a man in my company say that women often approach him saying ” I know you are busy, but can you help me with something?” But, when men approach him, they say “I need your help” and what a difference that can make. Be assertive and don’t be afraid to ask others for help. People can’t read your mind! Let them know why you are reaching out to them and how they can help you get to the next level in your career.
3) Not enough time for networking. This is my biggest pitfall. I am often too busy with work and grad school to reach out and connect with someone over lunch. The key that I am working on is changing my thinking so that networking is a part of my job. I have learned that you have to make it a priority and this is my goal over the next year. If possible, think of your job as 50% in office and 50% connecting and building relationships with those in your office.
4) I am an introvert: If you are an introvert like me, it is hard to be open and let strangers into your life. To network, you have to be open and curious. You must also show up and be present in all conversations. Sometimes the hardest part is getting to the event but you will be glad you did once you get there. Meet one person and start speaking with them and asking questions. This way, it will be easier to meet others since you know one person very well. Also, don’t be afraid to speak up if you have something to say and have a question ready to ask such as “How did you get started in your career” or “What are you passionate about?”
5) Not sure who to connect with. Easy! Let your friends and family know your dreams and goals and ask them if they have any connections that they could introduce you to. Another great tip is every time you get to know someone new, ask them if there is anyone else they know that they could introduce you to. Never leave a meeting without another connection!
By talking with others in different fields about your future goals and dreams, your career path will begin to become crystal clear and you will learn the steps that you need to take to reach your goals. Connecting with other people helps you find your purpose in life and find work you enjoy. Who wants to spend 40 hours a week doing a job they hate? Not me! When you are satisfied in your work, you work will be rewarding and you will feel like you are making a difference in the world.
What are the barriers that keep you from building relationships and connecting?
Classy Career Girl provides advice to young professionals on how to be classy as they climb the corporate ladder. Her blog covers topics such as business chic fashion, career motivation, personal development, networking, and office etiquette. Connect with her and learn more about how to network at http://www.classycareergirl.com/
To find out more about the Classy Career Girl visit her page on Facebook and follow her @ClassyCareer on Twitter.
If you’d like to be a weekend guest email me your post at joychasing@yahoo.com and find additional information on guest posting qualifications here.
This is an excellent post! I recognize the importance of networking as a professional woman. I also know that it is often challenging for women to become comfortable networking. I always like to see how other women handle it. So glad you are featured here because I am heading over to your blog now!
Great post I think I have a problem with trusting people and that trust keeps me from opening up and networking. Connecting is not easy especially when you try with some people and they don't answer back or seem to don't want to be bothered.