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What are good ways to make connections?

I'm fairly new to networking and was wondering about ways I can connect to people. I'm also wondering if there's a good time to make connections, such as when I'm in school or when I get to college.

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Eric J’s Answer

Great question Henry! I'll start by saying it's never too early to start making connections and networking. Many people think you have to have your career mapped out or be an expert in some area before you can begin networking but that's definitely not the case. Networking and branching out in particular subject matters or with specific groups can be beneficial to helping you determine your career path. You may find out through interacting with other individuals already in that career path that it's not the best option for you and that's good to know sooner than later. Often times you will learn about people like yourself that started in a particular career and branched off to other areas they like even more. Networking can be eye opening to learn about career paths.

The more common piece people think of networking for is finding other professionals in the field to find job opportunities. These can definitely be helpful and often times if you are active and talk to your peers you can find job leads or may even be recommended by peers for positions in their company.

Networking is just an open forum to start talking to like minds. To network you can join clubs or groups online or look for meetings or conventions in related fields. Linkedin is great to see if you already know someone in a field you are interesting in to open the lines of communication. This typically snowballs out once you get a foot in the door.
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Aisha’s Answer

Hi Henry,

Great Question.

Building connections is important because it makes you more versatile. When you encounter any situation, its a great asset; having a network of individuals who can help identify solutions or otherwise support you. When trying to connect with another person, finding shared interests or responsibilities is key. These interests can be professional or personal.

I think a great start is social media platforms, developing an online presence is another way to connect with others. You can follow like minded individuals like yourself and leaders, engage in online conversations on social media or professional groups.

Participating in extracurriculars in school is also a great way to network.

I would suggest attending as many speaking events as possible and if given the opportunity, introduce yourself to the keynote speaker and audience members there.

Community involvement goes a long way, look up some volunteering opportunities.

I hope this helps...
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Ryan’s Answer

Hey Henry,

So many options are available to you, and I understand that networking can be vital to personal and professional growth. It's never too early to start building connections, and the sooner you begin, the more opportunities you'll have to expand your network.

If you're open and approachable, cultivating an inviting environment for others to engage with you will be much easier. The basics are: smile, make eye contact, and be genuinely interested in getting to know people. This will make it easier for others to connect with you and for you to initiate conversations.

You have a plethora of options to participate in extracurricular activities, clubs, or organizations that align with your interests, passions, or career goals. This will give you a chance to meet like-minded individuals and create lasting connections based on shared interests.

if you're interested in connecting with similar people in your career, you can also look for events, workshops, or conferences related to your field of interest or industry. These gatherings can provide excellent opportunities to meet new people, learn from experts, and expand your network.

Obviously, you can leverage social media platforms to engage in conversations, share insights, and build your online presence to create a strong digital network.

Maybe consider offering your time and skills to local organizations, nonprofits, or community events. Volunteering allows you to connect with people who share your values, and it can also help you develop new skills and experiences.

Some practical advice for interacting with new connections is to practice active listening. People appreciate being heard and valued, and this will help you create deeper, more meaningful connections. Follow up after meeting someone new and express your gratitude and reinforce the connection. Keep in touch periodically to nurture the relationship. Be authentic, be true to yourself, and let your unique personality and value shine through. This will attract the right people into your life.

Lastly, give before you take. Approach networking with a mindset of generosity and reciprocity. Offer your help, knowledge, or connections to others before seeking something in return. This will help you create positive relationships built on mutual support and trust.
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Chirayu’s Answer

Networking is an important aspect of personal and professional growth, and there are several ways to connect with people: Attend events and conferences related to your field of interest, this is a great way to meet like-minded individuals and make connections. Utilize social media platforms, such as LinkedIn, to connect with people in your industry or field. Volunteer for organizations or initiatives that align with your interests and values, this will allow you to network with people who share your passion. Participate in online forums or discussion groups related to your field, this can help you establish connections and build relationships. Take advantage of opportunities to network at school or college, such as joining clubs, participating in events and attending guest speaker events. In terms of timing, there's no one "best" time to make connections. However, starting early in your academic or professional journey can provide you with opportunities to build relationships and make connections that will benefit you in the long run.
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Sheila’s Answer

Great question! Regarding networking and making connections, the sky is the limit. The connectedness of what has become a social world makes the world a much smaller place, so let's use it to our advantage.

Use your online tools to connect with people you are in school with today, in clubs, etc. Of course, take advantage of school offerings for networking, too!

Really use tools like LinkedIn. Don't be shy; review people in the field you are interested in and follow them!
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Mary’s Answer

Networking is the most important thing you can do at all stages of your career! I recommend LinkedIn. Find people that work at companies you want to work at or have titles that you think you might want to have one day and request to connect with them. Send them a message explaining that you're a student and would love to learn more about their career and experience. Here is an example of a message you could send:

Hi [X]!

My name is [X], and I came across your profile while I was looking for [describe what you are interested in, for example: people who work in cybersecurity for tech companies]. Your experience and background really stood out and intrigued me, so I hope you don’t mind my reaching out. Your career path – [mention one or two of their experiences] – is really fantastic. I would love to connect, hear about your story and the important work you’re doing at [X], and have the opportunity to learn from you. [Add a line here about being a student, looking to explore career opportunities, and your interest in having a quick informational interview]. I know you’re really busy and your time is valuable, but if you have a few minutes to chat at any point I would be really grateful. If not – no worries!
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John’s Answer

Hey Henry,

I get this question a lot so I actually gave a TEDx on the topic (see link below).

The best time to start networking is when you don't need anything from other people. You can get to know them and learn from them without the expectation of them doing something for you.

The best way to network is start where you are with people who have a connection to you (friend of parents, parents of friends, people going to the college you are going to or who recently graduated from there, etc.). My TEDx takes you through what type of message to send, what to do in the meeting, and how to build a community through networking instead of just a list of acquaintances.

Best,
John

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oMQQeV74H7U
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Rebecca’s Answer

Thank you for your question. This is a great question.
I would recommend you can start your people networking at any time.
Below are my suggestions :
1. Your classmates, professors, tutors, etc.
2. Recreational clubs
3. Explore intern opportunities and establish network in working environment
4. Attend industry seminars
Hope this helps! Good Luck!
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Karen’s Answer

I have found it helpful to network throughout my life with people in various areas. Look for folks you respect, admire or might want to be like someday. It's a real compliment to ask someone to spend a little time with you -- meet for coffee or a phone chat. Have a list of questions and get responses from a wide variety of people. Suggest you look beyond school to relatives, church members, entertainers or anyone who strikes you as having passion for what they do.

With every good wish.
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Eleanor’s Answer

There's a lot of great information already, and I will add that you would be surprised at the network you already have. Think about your friend group and their parents; you already have a connection to them. Do any of their professional interests/careers align with yours? Another important thing to remember about networking is that it doesn't happen overnight, and quality ALWAYS beats quantity. So I would advise you to maintain connections with any old bosses, coaches, leaders from any extracurricular activities, etc. You don't have to necessarily talk to them daily or even weekly, but a quick check in a few times over a few years (say your college career) will do the trick.
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Lisa’s Answer

This is a really great question!

You should start making connections early and often. This will help you better understand what might really fuel your passion. You spend a large portion of your life at work, you want to be happy with whatever you choose.

I would start understanding your strengths and opportunities, this will give you a starting point on what professional areas to focus on.

Once you've determined what industry you want to start in, you can search companies on LinkedIn or via "contact us" on their websites, and even utilize social media accounts for those companies. This will help you get in touch with someone, and keep your connections consistent. If you reach out to someone make sure you set the next meeting before you leave. They can meet you once and may not remember. Meet consistently, so should you ever need them you have the ability to reach out.
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Martin’s Answer

On a short answer, people love to talk about themselves, their own achievements.
If your able to show genuine interest the folks talk to you, which is step 1 of a connection and a relationship.

Step 2, is sharing some yourself, which in the end will get another response. Before you know it your connected.

IF you talk about yourself, initially, you will come nowhere...
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Andrew’s Answer

As others have suggested, practice networking with the people closest with you. Your family, friends, teachers and local small businesses are a great place to start. You might find out that the uncle or aunt who you always discuss book and movies with actually has a job. Ask them what they do, how long they do it, and what parts of the job they like. Try asking friends what their parents do. You can do the same with teachers. Making those connections is important and later on you can use social media to connect with them and stay in touch - and possibly lead to opportunities for you. You can also try networking on-line with local small businesses and you will get a mix of being ignored, being responded to but them not having time to connect and finding someone who has time and you and your parent/gaurdian can set up a visit and maybe a job shadow (or part time job). Learn networking with your immediate circle and you will do great networking everywhere your career journey takes you.
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Purva’s Answer

Hi Henry - great question!
You need to make connections. But there’s a big difference between aimless networking and intentional networking and hence it’s important you make the right connections for the career path you’re pursuing.
You can begin making connections using LinkedIn by finding a person who have something in common (for example, maybe you and the person you’re connecting with went to the same college). Another effective technique is attending networking events through your school or college.
The bigger the network you build, the more connections you can offer others to thrive in their career. In fact, building a network is one of the most generous ways to show up in your career.
Hope this helps and good luck! :)
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