A friendly guide to networking and self-help

Speaking of networking, I used to be quite resistant to it, unwilling to chat with strangers or arrange coffee chats. I would blindly send out resumes to various companies, only to receive no response. Later, after boldly networking with people from all walks of life, I discovered there were so many tips and tricks to finding a job. In fact, networking isn't just about "socializing," but rather an effective way to build and expand valuable relationships. For those who aren't comfortable socializing in crowded places, mastering the following techniques can make networking easy and effective.

1. Define your goals and avoid blindly engaging in social interactions. 🎯

• At first, my networking was purely "mass-mailing" – I chatted aimlessly without any specific target, and the results were mediocre. Later, I realized that before talking to someone, it's best to ask yourself: What kind of people do I want to meet? What topics do I want to discuss? For example, once when I attended an industry seminar, I set my goal as "learning more about product design trends," which led to other questions. With a clear objective, I could naturally start a conversation about topics that interested me, and I wasn't so nervous.

2. Smaller-scale activities are more relaxed 🌍

• Large social events are really stressful! I prefer small lectures and online thematic groups. For example, following professional communities on LinkedIn, attending alumni events organized by schools, or participating in industry sharing sessions are much more effective. This is because smaller groups are more suitable for in-depth conversations and more relaxed exchanges.

3. Prepare a self-introduction; it doesn't need to be too formal. ✨

• At first, I thought my self-introductions had to be particularly concise and professional, but that's unnecessary. Now, I prepare a simple and natural introduction, such as: "My name is XXX, I work at [company/field], and I'm currently very interested in [topic]." This makes it easier for the other person to respond and avoids that feeling of "deliberate marketing."

4. Talk less and listen more; asking questions is really important. 👂💬

• Being a good listener is very important! When chatting, I listen to the other person's story and take the opportunity to ask questions that I am genuinely curious about, such as "How did you get into this industry?" or "What are your thoughts on future trends?" These kinds of questions are natural, the other person answers happily, and I also learn a lot of new things.

5. Follow up and stay connected to make the relationship last longer 💌📲

• Networking isn't just about adding someone as a friend; follow-up is key! I'll send a thank-you message after the event or leave a comment on LinkedIn to let them know I valued the exchange. I'll also share interesting articles or events with them occasionally—not too frequently, but this helps us stay connected.

Finally, I want to say that networking isn't that difficult. Find a method that suits you, take it slow, and gradually expand your network. You'll gain many valuable connections! Don't be afraid to open up, keep going! 🌟👊

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