• Tweet ^[1]
• Email ^[2]

• Tweet ^[1]
• Email ^[2]

If you really want to supercharge your career, networking at events can be a real help. Attending events, and networking, gives you a chance to establish a real personal connection with people in your field, or even people in another field.

These personal connections can help you later, as well as result in solid friendships that can enrich your life. If you are looking for a way to improve your career situation, don’t just focus on your resume ^[3]. Make sure that you consider getting out there and networking with others face to face.

The Benefits of Networking

One of the main benefits of networking is that now you know someone. We are inclined to prefer those we know. If your resume comes across someone’s desk, and he or she remembers meeting you, there is a good chance that you will get some preferred treatment.

Not only do you become known, but you also get to know others. If you go to an event where you will be able to meet others in your area of expertise, you have the chance to learn more about what others want. One of the keys to networking is listening. Find out what another company looks for in an employee, and develop those qualities.

You can also become “plugged in” to what’s happening when you network. You can exchange ideas, work on partnerships, and even find out about various opportunities. Networking allows you to establish relationships that can ensure that you are among the first to know about certain openings. Get out there, be seen, and learn about what’s happening, and you’ll have the edge over someone who doesn’t network.

Tips for Making a Personal Connections while Networking

You can’t beat the impact of in-person contact. However, you do need to make sure that you are careful about how you go about networking at various events. Steve, from MyWifeQuitHerJob.com ^[4], points out that effective networking is all about the relationship. If you want to develop a good relationship while networking at events, here are some of the things he mentioned:

• Don’t talk about you all the time: He points out that no one cares about your blog or your business. Instead, get to know people, rather than just talk about yourself the whole event.
• Don’t spam people with business cards: Instead of handing out business cards indiscriminately, be someone that others want to ask for business cards. Also, be the kind of person that others want to connect with, even if they don’t have your card.
• Be yourself: Steve actually said to use your real name. But I think that you can be yourself, even if you are wary of giving out your real name. Be genuine, and people will respond better to you.

(Photo: CollegeDegrees360 ^[5])