Power skills | Networking
Network in progress
Building strong professional relationships from today can provide a major boost to your career in the long term
Words Sophie Cross Illustrations iStock
The word ‘networking’ makes a lot of people feel a bit uneasy. It usually conjures images of awkward small talk at overly formal events, trying to memorise an elevator pitch or handing out business cards to strangers while desperately trying to think of something interesting to say.
But what if we called it ‘relationship building’, ‘helping other people’ or ‘making business friends’ instead?
The benefits of having a strong professional network to utilise are undeniable. Whether you are looking for your first role, needing exam revision accountability, seeking advice on a tricky client situation or hoping to progress into management, the people you know can open doors and provide support throughout your career.
But building that network takes sustained effort, which can be too easy to put off until another day. Here’s how and why to prioritise it from today.
Start where you are
You don’t need to start from zero. You have an existing business network, whether you know it or not, right now. This could include:
- People at your current workplace
- Fellow AAT students
- Ex-colleagues
- LinkedIn connections
- Business owners you know in your local area
- Friends and family in business
Start by making a list of everyone you know who could be in your business network and send them a LinkedIn request (if you’re not already connected) with a personalised note letting them know what you are up to and telling them why you'd like to connect.
STEP 1
Don’t underestimate LinkedIn
Hopefully by now you have realised that LinkedIn isn't just for job hunting. It is one of the most powerful networking tools available today, and you can dip in and out of it whenever it suits you.
If you think you have nothing to say or post about, that’s a limiting belief that you need to work through because you absolutely do. Share what you are learning, celebrate when you pass exams, and post insights from your studies and industry. This positions you as someone who cares about their career and is proactive about their professional development.
If posting feels too big, start by liking other people’s posts and then commenting thoughtfully. Impressions (the number of people who see them) for comments can be even higher than for posts. If you always focus on being helpful and positive then it will never feel weird, and people will naturally want to connect with you.
Join relevant business and study groups on LinkedIn and Facebook, and ensure your profile pages include up-to-date, professional information that reflects your AAT journey. Use relevant keywords to make your profile searchable and include a good photo (use the same picture across all platforms so it is easier to recognise and remember you).
STEP 2
Make the most of AAT resources
As an AAT student, you have access to an abundance of exceptional networking opportunities that non-members do not have. AAT’s online community forums are perfect for introverts or those with limited time. You can ask questions, share experiences and connect with members across the UK without leaving your desk. Contribute regularly – answering someone else’s question is the best way to connect with others and position yourself as knowledgeable and helpful.
Local AAT branch events offer face-to-face networking in a structured environment. These gatherings are specifically designed for people at various career stages. Everyone there understands what it is like to work towards AAT qualifications while building a career.
The Student Advisory Group provides opportunities to connect with AAT students across the country while contributing to the organisation’s development. Getting involved demonstrates initiative and will give you genuine leadership experience to discuss in future interviews.
STEP 3
Discussion
Don’t feel you have to attend everything; you do not have the time or the energy, so be selective and go to the ones that fill your cup. Industry events related to your area of interest are worth prioritising as you will meet people working in your desired field and show that you have a genuine interest in the specialism.
Do a bit of preparation before you go by researching who is speaking or who might be there and have a think about a few questions or discussion topics. Be clear on how to explain what you are studying and what you are hoping to achieve in your career. This isn’t about rehearsing a script, it’s about feeling confident enough to have genuine conversations.
Top tip: Volunteering at events is often more valuable than attending. You will meet the organisers (who will be well connected), have an automatic conversation starter with other attendees and you will have something to do rather than standing awkwardly by the coffee machine.
STEP 4
Quality over quantity
Networking should definitely not be collecting hundreds of LinkedIn connections that you will never speak to again. It should be building genuine relationships with people who can actually help you and whom you can help in return.
Focus on meaningful connections rather than big numbers because it’s far better to have 20 people who would take your call and happily give you advice than 200 contacts who wouldn’t recognise your name.
When you meet someone interesting, make sure you follow up with them. Send an email and/or a LinkedIn connection request with a personalised message reminding them of your conversation and where you met. If they mentioned a resource or article, check it out and let them know what you thought. These little gestures can turn a brief encounter into the start of a brilliant relationship.
Remember: networking is two-way. Think about what help you can offer others. Take a look at their LinkedIn profile for inspiration and to find out more about them and where there is synergy between you. Everyone has something valuable to contribute, regardless of where they are in their career.
STEP 5
Keep meeting people
You have to play the long game and focus on incremental gains when it comes to networking. This little and often approach is way less intimidating than having to go hard and strong, but it does mean that you have to do just that - approach it little and often with regular and consistent effort. Building a strong professional network is not a quick fix for landing your next dream job next month, it’s an investment in your entire career.
Always leave jobs and interviews on good terms and keep in touch with the people you meet. Check in occasionally, share relevant opportunities or articles, and congratulate them on achievements. These small efforts make you memorable and keep relationships aflame, so they are there when you (or they) actually need something.
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