SolveYourProblem Article Series: Networking
How To Successfully Network Yourself

Networking Up The Corporate Ladder

Networking can play an important role in climbing the corporate ladder. Promotions are no longer considered a given. Changing organizational structures, globalization, and advances in technology has influenced today’s job market. In order to climb the ladder of the corporate world employees have to create and manage their own career paths. One of the most effective ways to do this is through networking.

The more people you know the stronger your network will be. Make sure that your contacts know you, your abilities, and your ambitions. The more people that are aware of your contributions and value to the company the more likely you will be promoted. When a business opportunity arises having your name in circulation is a good start.

Do not be afraid to include your boss in your networking circle. You should use all opportunities to make you boss a supporter of your promotions. Try to use professional settings to ask for advice and seek counsel. Also, make sure to stress interest in staying with the company and moving forward to other positions.

Most people are surprised how easy it is to include their boss in their list of network contacts. You usually do not have to make any special effort to meet with them, utilize time that has already been set aside. For example, try starting a conversation during your next performance appraisal to o over your achievements and goals. Also, use this time to mention any roadblocks you feel may be standing in your way of promotions, and ask for suggestions on how to overcome them.

Some experts also suggest learning more about your boss’s interests outside work when trying to use them while networking. Once you have learned about hobbies or vacation spots, try building rapport by chatting about them after the next business meeting, social party, or networking event.

Another great way to use networking to climb the corporate ladder is by developing mentoring relationships. Building a bond with someone higher up the ladder will help spread the word about your abilities. If your company offers a formal mentoring program make sure you jump onboard. If no formal program exists create your own ways to build relationships with people in higher positions in the company. Mentors can be great sources for information and career guidance. They can be great tools for moving up the corporate ladder.

Remember a key factor in using networking to get to the next step on your career path is self-promotion. While modesty should be exhibited to some extent, when trying to move up the corporate ladder you need to make people aware of your accomplishments. When trying to move ahead do not be shy, vocalize your achievements an accolades. Do not just sell yourself without a cause. Let people know that you are seeking a promotion, that way when an opportunity presents itself you will already be on their minds.

Also, use networking events to further your pursuit of career advancement. You never know who you will meet at these events or what effect they may have on your ascent up the corporate ladder. For that reason you should always attend networking events prepared. Know who will be there and what they do, have a 30 second pitch rehearsed and arrive on time. Furthermore, dress professionally and behave confidently. Also, make sure that you have plenty of business cards to hand out and make sure that you ask for other people’s cards in return. Jot down notes on the back of the business cards you receive to help jog your memory later. Lastly, try to follow up with all new contacts 24-48 hours after the event. Following these simple rules can help make networking an effective tool in climbing the corporate ladder.

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SolveYourProblem.com : 2007

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