The art of continuous NET WORKING

INTRODUCTION01| What is networking?02| What is continuous networking

WHY CONTINUOUS NETWORKING MATTERS01| Continuous networking opens doors you didn’t know existed02| Makes interviews easier03| Expands knowledge04| Builds your reputation05| An exchange of ideas06| Self- improvement opportunit ies07| Who knows, you might make a fr iend!

UNCOMMON NETWORKING OPPORTUNITIES01| Conferences unrelated to your industry02| Online networking opportunit ies03| Speed networking events04| Career fairs—even if you have established yourself05| “In the wild”

HAVE A NETWORKING TOOLKIT01| Dress professional ly02| Remember you’l l be meeting people03| Promotional materials04| Mints, gum, or breath spray05| A posit ive att itude

ABOUT SIX DEGREES SOCIETY

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TABLE OF CONTENT

2

So many people think of networking as an

explanation of what you do when you create

connections and get your name (and business

card) to a bunch of people—and it is that. But

it is also so much more. Networking is a verb,

meaning that it is an action. It is a proactive action

(a proaction, if you will)—something you need to

do for yourself. It is very difficult to network for

someone else.

Introduction

3

Networking is an exchange of information between two people. However,

it is more subtle and difficult than simply exchanging basics. One needs

to form a relationship, however fleeting, with someone who can help

you in your career. It doesn’t necessarily mean that person will get you

a job. Rather, it is someone who can help you to advance. This could

be someone who provides you with a service, someone you help, or

somewhere in between.

Networking has many different ends, including getting insider information

on what is going on within your niche or industry; getting insider tips on

what people look for in the resumes and cover letters they receive; direct

contact information to people who may want to work with you or who

may interview you for a job; jobs that are going to be opening up in the

next few months or years; and any number of other pieces of information

that may be of use to you.

You can network with nearly anyone—from your roommates and family

members to the person driving the bus or the person standing next to you

on the subway. You can also look for clubs and organizations, industry

events, alumni groups, and anyone who is in your current network. Don’t

discount someone because they aren’t in your industry or because you

don’t think they have connections. Everyone knows someone—which

leads us to continuous networking.

...Everyone knows

someone—which leads

us to continuous

networking...

What is networking?01|

4

...Keep a list

of people who you

could reach out

to in a time of

need—you never

know when you’ll

need insight on a

potential client,

help landing a job

after a shake-up

at work, or just

some information

that isn’t readily

available to the

public...

5

Continuous networking includes networking even when you aren’t looking

for specific information or even a job—it is simply creating connections

that may come in handy at one point. Keep a list of people who you could

reach out to in a time of need—you never know when you’ll need insight

on a potential client, help landing a job after a shake-up at work, or just

some information that isn’t readily available to the public. Keep these

people in your phone or contact list and reach out occasionally.

Remember that this is a reciprocal relationship—you have to be willing

to be a resource for people. If someone reaches out to you, you need to

answer them. The art of continuous networking is a difficult one, but it

matters, it presents itself in many ways, and it is essential for professionals

young and old.

02| What is continuous networking?

6

Continuous networking is an important

step for everyone who thinks that

they may need connections at any

point—so all of us. It stands out from

traditional networking that you may

only do it when you need something

from someone.

Why Continuous Networking Matters

7

The best opportunities don’t always pop up at the best times—that’s just

a part of life. If you aren’t looking for a new client, job, or opportunity,

you often won’t know that something exists. We tend to fall into rhythms

that allow the days to slip by without getting the chance to really change

our lives. Our jobs take up so much of our time that the idea of looking

for jobs or reaching out to people online after-hours feels like you are

wasting your time. But it isn’t—continually networking and building

bonds actually makes your time more worthwhile.

If you aren’t looking for opportunities, you won’t know they exist. By

continually networking and forming connections, there is a chance that

someone else will alert you to the presence of the door. Then, you still

have to take the steps to walk through it, but you will have the support

and resources to make the journey that much shorter.

01| Networking opens doors you didn’t know existed

...If you aren’t

looking for

opportunities,

you won’t know

they exist...

8

You can never know too much about your industry.

Expanding your knowledge, even if those little bits of

knowledge are things that you won’t use, can only

help you. Whether it is just a familiarity with topics that

peripherally impact you or in-depth explanations of

things that directly impact you, knowledge helps you to

make decisions and a good impression.

If you are trying to get a promotion or move onto a new

job, the best candidates are often those who have at least

a working knowledge of other parts of the company.

If you are constantly networking and talking to

people, talking to strangers becomes that much

easier. Often, we are nervous about interviews

not because we feel like we aren’t right for the

job or because we don’t know the questions

they will ask. Instead, we are nervous about

talking to someone that we don’t know.

This is a muscle that needs to be strengthened.

It isn’t something that most of us can do with

ease. It doesn’t mean you won’t be nervous

at all, but it may mean that you are able to

effectively convey your worth when the time

comes.

03|

02|

Expands knowledge

Makes interviews easier

...we are nervous

about talking

to someone that

we don’t know.

This is a muscle

that needs to be

strengthened...

9

It doesn’t matter what industry you work in, your reputation matters.

Names are me morable for many people, and if they hear “good” things

about you from someone else, that can get you to the top of the list. By

the time a company posts a job opening on their website or by the time

a potential client is looking to hire someone new, you may not have time

to build the reputation you need to stand out—you should have been

doing it for years.

If you are continually networking, you will have a reputation already—

you just have to ensure that it is a good one.

04| Builds your reputation

...It doesn’t matter

what industry you work

in, your reputation

matters...

10

Networking can teach you important things about

yourself as well. You may be able to discern topics

that you aren’t comfortable talking about with other

people—a sure sign that you should take the time

to learn more about it. You may also find clinics,

conferences, classes, and sessions that people within

your industry go to for improvement. This is why it is

important to continually network with people who are

not only above your level but in similar positions to

you. Ask about certifications, awards, and degrees that

people have gotten after graduating from college.

Who knows—you may even realize there are heights

you can get to that you didn’t even know existed.

Say that you are completely happy with your job and don’t

want to move up—you also don’t have to worry about

getting new clients. Why does continuous networking

matter then? Think of it as a way to exchange ideas

and become better at your job. No one wants to be the

weak link on a team. When you network with people

outside of your company, you will be able to bring fresh

insights and ideas into the boardroom.

As part of continuous networking, you may want to

include people at different levels of their businesses.

Don’t count out the college grad who has fresh

ideas and is idealistic and include the woman near

retirement who has a more cynical view of the

industry—both have value. The more diversity you

can bring into your life, the better you will be for it.

03|

02|

Self- improvement opportunit ies

An exchange of ideas

...The more

diversity you

can bring into

your life, the

better you will

be for it...

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Making friends is really hard—and keeping them is even harder. If you are

continually networking yourself, you are likely meeting people with similar

aspirations, goals, and attitudes to yourself. These people make fantastic

friends. They also make great outlets when you are experiencing strife

at work and you don’t want to complain to your coworkers. By going to

networking events, you may just meet someone who will become more

than just an acquaintance.

Of course, you have to be careful here—remember that your reputation

still matters.

• As you are talking to people and networking yourself,

there are a few things you want to remember:

• You are under a microscope—if you have to question if you

should get another glass of wine at an event, don’t do it.

• Make sure people leave knowing who you are—bring

business cards that have at least two ways to contact you

(phone, email, social media, address, etc.) clearly marked.

• Be explicit in the services and skills that you provide. Practice

your elevator speech before you walk in the door.

Also, remember that continually networking doesn’t just mean going to

events—you can network just about anywhere.

04| Who knows, you might make a fr iend!

...you are likely

meeting people with

similar aspirations,

goals, and attitudes

to yourself...

12

People who want to continually network often

have problems finding the opportunities to

do so. Let’s be clear: you can network at

the grocery store, gym, and bar as easily

as you can at industry events. However, you

need to find some uncommon networking

opportunities. Start with some of these, but

don’t be afraid to be a bit more creative.

Uncommon networking opportunities

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If you want to meet the highest number of people, conferences are a

great option—and it doesn’t have to be related to your industry. There are

hundreds, if not thousands, of people here who are looking to network

and improve themselves at events like ComicCon. You can either go to

the conference as an attendee and work that way or you can become a

speaker. If you are a speaker, there will be many, many people who want

to talk to you—and everyone will have your information if they need it.

Now, conferences can be cost-prohibitive—so you may want to look into

having your current work pay for the conference, volunteering at the

event, or checking out ala carte options.

Some of the best conferences that you can go to include Alt Summit,

Create and Cultivate, and Wanderlust festivals. These are all geared

toward women - giving you the chance to lift others as you climb yourself.

01| Conferences unrelated to your industry

...If you want to

meet the highest

number of people,

conferences are a

great option...

14

LinkedIn is one of the fastest-growing social media

websites and it is all about marketing yourself there.

Online networking can be difficult if you don’t do it

correctly. Make sure that your profile is properly filled

out and contains relevant information. When you

connect with someone, send a message and fill it with

specific questions or concerns.

Don’t be afraid of some uncommon networking

opportunities online—there are plenty of them.

If you are a fan of a specific podcast, consider joining

that “secret” group you always hear about. Don’t be

afraid to look at hashtags on Twitter or Instagram.

Everything that you need is out there, you just have to

be sure you are ready for it. (You also want to make

sure that your own profile is approachable and clear of

too much controversy.)

02| Online networking opportunit ies

...Don’t be afraid of

some uncommon networking

opportunities online there

are plenty of them...

15

Speed dating may have some dubious results, but speed networking

has actually been proven to work. Speed networking is a networking

event in which you have 3-4 minutes to talk to someone. You essentially

share your professional backgrounds, business goals, qualifications, and

business cards. If you are looking to meet a large number of people

quickly without going to a conference, this may be your next best bet.

These events are often looked at with skepticism, but try going to a few

before you write them off completely.

03| Speed Networking Events

...Speed networking

is a networking

event in which you

have 3-4 minutes to

talk to someone...

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So many people count out career fairs because they

think they are primarily for new professionals, but that

isn’t necessarily the case. If you find a career fair, stop by

for a few minutes! You will be able to determine fairly

quickly if they are only hiring entry-level professionals.

If you are entry-level, this works out well for you. If you

aren’t, then you can leave.

Don’t count out career fairs even if you are a decade

into your career—they are extremely helpful.

04| Career fairs—even if you have established yourself

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Sometimes, you have to make your own networking opportunities in

order to continuously network. This means going up to people at events

that aren’t specifically for networking—so you need to be prepared. Make

it a habit to bring your toolkit (more on that soon) with you at all times.

You should always have a few business cards with you.

Wherever you go, there is an opportunity to network and market yourself.

At the gym, at the movies, while shopping, on the subway, at the dentist,

and so much more—just make sure that the situation is appropriate.

Trying to talk to someone while you are both getting a massage may not

be the route that you want to go.

05| “In The Wild”

...Wherever you go,

there is an opportunity

to network and market

yourself...

18

When you are networking constantly, it is good

to have a toolkit with you—both physically and

mentally. This goes beyond the basics of a good

business card and elevator speech. When you go

to an event, it is easy to have everything that you

need. However, if you practice the art of continuous

networking, you need to be ready to go at all times.

There are a few ways you can prepare for this:

Have a Networking Toolkit

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If you try to network all the time, it means you have to look the part.

Now, this doesn’t mean that you need to be the best-dressed person in

the grocery store, but you don’t want to be the worst dressed either. If

you are going to wear leggings, make sure that they aren’t see-through

or stained. Run a brush through your hair before putting it into a ponytail.

You don’t have to put on make-up to go to the gym, but make sure last

night’s isn’t smudged under your eyes. You also want to wear something

that will attract attention in a good way. This might mean carrying a truly

great handbag, a pair of statement making earrings, or a brightly colored

scarf. If you are good at makeup, consider a statement lip color that isn’t

too bold (think bright red instead of an icy blue).

When you do go to networking events, make sure that you are dressed as

nicely as you can be—first impressions are important.

01| Dress professional ly

...make sure that you are

dressed as nicely as you

can be—first impressions

are important...

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If you are networking not to get a new job, but to find

new clients, make sure you have promotional materials

with you. Make sure to bring a few different types of

documents that people can take with them. If something

shows off your skills—give that one out more often.

Get creative with your promotional materials. Rather

than simple business cards what’s something memorable

that can show off your skills. For example, we give out

branded phone accessories that serve as conversation

starters. What’s something exciting and relevant to your

business that you can share?

As a bonus, make sure that you staple or paperclip your

business card to anything you hand out. Even if you

aren’t looking for a job, it can be beneficial for your

bosses to know who brought in new clients.

At networking events or just when you meet someone

on the streets, you will likely shake their hand or at least

get somewhat close to them. Make sure that your hands

aren’t dry like sandpaper but aren’t too wet either. You

may also want to bring hand sanitizer with you—just be

discrete about using it after meeting someone.

Remember that some people have different greetings

or don’t enjoy touching other people. Try to take social

cues from that person and follow their leads, especially

if they are someone that could very much benefit you.

03|

02|

Promotional Materials

Remember you’l l be meeting people

...Try to take

social cues from

that person and

follow their

leads...

21

Need we say more? No one likes talking to someone with smelly breath.

Since many networking events take place at night, you probably won’t

have the freshest mouth. Keep a toothbrush at work if you can so that

you can get a deeper clean but gum, mints, or breath spray works in a

pinch.

Networking is about meeting people and forming connections—and you

cannot do that without a good attitude. Having the right mindset when

you attend any event will help you to make a positive first impression.

Part of that means being an active participant—people will be able to see

right through you if you are only there for your own benefit.

04|

05|

Mints, gum, or breath spray

A posit ive att itude

...Networking is

about meeting

people and forming

connections—and

you cannot do that

without a good

attitude...

22

About

Six Degrees Society started out as a simple idea that soon came to

life through a series of accidental successes. Learn why everyone who

attends our events feels like a friend of a friend and how founder Emily

Merrell’s desire to create a tight-knit community came to be.

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The art of continuous NET WORKING