Top 5 Networking Tips from the Masters!

I just spoke on a panel with Allen Lo (DGC at Google), Ines Gonzalez (Director at LinkedIn), and Suchitra Narayen (AGC/VP at Oracle) on effective networking to advance your career. The top 5 tips:

1. Network with people live, not just online. Personal relationships are built over time. When you network with people, be authentic, find common ground, offer up value, and keep in touch. Multiple panelists got jobs because they were championed by their network.
2. Good sources of networking include professional groups like ACC, PLIs, and roundtables; affinity/ethnic groups; and pro bono groups/foundations. Consider helping organize an event or being a speaker, which will draw people to you.
3. Get noticed by developing an expertise and building a network where people seek you out. Know what you have to offer, and brand yourself consistently – online, in person, and in your resume.
4. Get on LinkedIn so people can find you and so you can reach into companies you are interested in. Put up a professional picture to increase your page views by 7x. Build out your connections (500 is a nice goal). Update your profile, and make clear what your skill sets are.
5. Weak ties are still important since they expand your reach. One of the panelist credits getting the ideal job through a friend of a friend.