In marketing, it’s all about maximizing. Maximizing reach, maximizing brand voice, maximizing audience share… you know the drill.
The same goes for networking. To take your marketing career to the next level, you need to maximize the heck out of your network — both existing relationships and connections yet to be made. Because when you get right down to it, building strong connections with other professionals is one of the most important things you can do to ensure your long-term success.
But networking is more than casual conversations and collecting business cards. It’s about building real relationships. Networking can open doors you didn’t even know existed. It can connect you to new people who know people. It provides new perspectives, experiences and insights. It can even make you more confident and contribute to your social and emotional wellbeing.
Sounds pretty cool, right? But if you’re new to the game or not a super-social person, how do you network effectively? The good news, it’s not as hard as it sounds even if you’re a total introvert. With some prep and practice, you’ll be a big-league networker before you can say “Hi, my name is…”
Not sure where to get started? The team at AMA Madison has your back.
Check out these 5 ways to network like a pro:
- Have a reason. Know what you want to accomplish before you even fill out your name tag. Are you hoping to land a new job? Looking for career guidance? Or maybe you just want to meet new people? When you know the why, you’ll be much better at the how.
- Practice with a pal. If you’re new to networking, start with people you already know. Grab a coffee with a friend and have a casual chat about career wants and needs. You’ll get new ideas and perspectives, and you’ll be more confident at your next big event. Speaking of events…
- Attend more events (Especially AMA events!) The AMA is the perfect way to connect to marketing professionals just like you. We put on a ton of super fun and educational networking events. In fact, you can help us kick off our 2024-2025 season at our Summer Social! This is your chance to rub elbows with Madison’s finest marketing minds in a friendly and casual environment. The best part, we’ll reveal our 2024-25 event schedule that night. To be in the know all you gotta do is be there. Register now.
- Volunteer. Donating your time to a cause you believe in not only feels good and helps others, it can be a great way to grow your social network. You never know who you might meet when you’re out there making a difference. And you never know what skills you might gain in the process.
- Follow up. Even in the age of high-end technology and short attention spans, the basics still matter. After an event, always send follow-up emails to the contacts you made. A simple “thank you” can go a long way in building new professional relationships.
But wait, there’s more…
- Don’t forget to bring a stack of updated resumes to your events
- Business cards still work, especially the kind that get noticed
- Try not to spill on your freshly ironed shirt
- And don’t forget to have a little fun.
Happy networking! See you at AMA Summer Social.
About the Author
Jason M. Schultz, is a creative copywriter, a strategic storyteller and a builder of brands. Learn more about his award-winning work at smartmouthcopy.com.