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Carolina
Student
Hialeah Gardens, Florida
1
Question
Updated
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How do you balance networking without seeming one-sided #Fall24?
In other words how do you form a valuable connection with someone that you can both benefit from? I find it hard to message people I don't know on LinkedIn for help. #Fall24
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1 answer
Michelle M.
Entertainment Industry
1861
Answers
Updated
Michelle’s Answer
Hello, Carolina !
Thanks for being here and expressing what is on your mind. I think I can provide some advice that hopefully could enhance your networking endeavors.
You've brought up a very good point. It does seem hard to "connect" with people online, especially people who do not know you to begin with. This is why I have always done my networking in person, regardless of the convenience or ease of doing it online. You very well can do the same and I think that you will see that the difference will make it seem more memorable, immediate and three dimensional, allowing your personality to win new friends and colleagues.
The first suggestion that I have which is really fun is to attend as many Job Fairs near you as possible. It is a great opportunity to meet and speak with people in the fields you are interested in. You can also seek out organizations, unions, groups and communities in your area for the type of work you like. You can easily find these by doing an internet search online or visiting your local Public Library or Chamber of Commerce. These groups sometimes have on site events or parties or Meet and Greets that you can attend. Being face to face works wonders. It's quite disappointing to e-mail people or DM and not receive a response.
Consider forming your own Networking Group for the field of work that you're pursuing. The group will provide a chance to meet the other professionals in your field, exchange information about the field and air any concerns about jobs or the field of work you're all in. The internet is convenient for many things, but I also feel such as you've mentioned, not for meeting people and it has a lacking element for professional elements compared to doing everything in person. I am an Actress and had to learn Zoom, act and audition through my computer's camera and phone camera and it just seemed strange to me at first, but we must adapt to these types of changes.
I hope this is a bit of help and that you can start meeting some people who in turn will be fortunate to know you !
Thanks for being here and expressing what is on your mind. I think I can provide some advice that hopefully could enhance your networking endeavors.
You've brought up a very good point. It does seem hard to "connect" with people online, especially people who do not know you to begin with. This is why I have always done my networking in person, regardless of the convenience or ease of doing it online. You very well can do the same and I think that you will see that the difference will make it seem more memorable, immediate and three dimensional, allowing your personality to win new friends and colleagues.
The first suggestion that I have which is really fun is to attend as many Job Fairs near you as possible. It is a great opportunity to meet and speak with people in the fields you are interested in. You can also seek out organizations, unions, groups and communities in your area for the type of work you like. You can easily find these by doing an internet search online or visiting your local Public Library or Chamber of Commerce. These groups sometimes have on site events or parties or Meet and Greets that you can attend. Being face to face works wonders. It's quite disappointing to e-mail people or DM and not receive a response.
Consider forming your own Networking Group for the field of work that you're pursuing. The group will provide a chance to meet the other professionals in your field, exchange information about the field and air any concerns about jobs or the field of work you're all in. The internet is convenient for many things, but I also feel such as you've mentioned, not for meeting people and it has a lacking element for professional elements compared to doing everything in person. I am an Actress and had to learn Zoom, act and audition through my computer's camera and phone camera and it just seemed strange to me at first, but we must adapt to these types of changes.
I hope this is a bit of help and that you can start meeting some people who in turn will be fortunate to know you !