Networking like a Boss

Every opportunity I’ve had in my political career has stemmed from relationships. Far too many people leave their professional advancement up to chance. Not just networking, but networking well is the way to set yourself apart from the crowd and move your career forward faster. It is a discipline, when mastered, becomes a superpower. 

While it may not pay off immediately and is mostly done outside work hours, committing to actively meeting new people in your industry pays dividends in the long run. 

Finding Your Network

Join clubs and groups that will allow you to build your professional network. And you don’t need to agree with everything these groups or clubs do, just find your corner. 

Let’s use my industry, Republican politics, as an example. The Young Republican National Federation has been a great opportunity for me to meet fellow politicos in the early stages of their careers. These crucial relationships provide me a reasonable sounding board for making professional decisions. Through the years, these relationships have morphed into friendships because we mutually trust and support one another. 

Political conferences like the American Conservative Union’s CPAC conference and the Republican State Leadership Committee’s Majority Makers retreat are the types of networking events that will allow you to meet the more senior “consultant class”. These individuals will serve as priceless mentors if you play your networking cards right.

Securing a New Contact

When making a new professional contact, be sure to connect on social media and get their contact information. I like to add new contacts on Facebook and LinkedIN. And you can usually get all of the other information you need by asking for their business card! Also, after meeting a new person, it’s important to follow-up with an email or direct message. The purpose of this is to remind them of your conversation, ensure they have your contact information, and to follow-up on anything you discussed. I try to add value from the very beginning of new relationships, even if it’s as simple as a professional introduction to someone else on their behalf.

Social Media as a Networking Tool

I use social media as my own personal public relations representative. If I get a new job, promotion, volunteer for a candidate or cause, publish an article, assuming it relates to my industry, I post it! These posts will continue to make you memorable to your professional contacts, will establish you as someone who is moving and shaking in your industry, and will ensure your network thinks of you when they are looking for someone with your expertise. 

Be sure to show interest in what your professional contacts are posting on social media too. Commenting is always better than simply liking. Engaging on their posts will build good-will and solidify your relationship. Additionally, who you engage with on social media is how the algorithm gods determine which feeds your own posts show up on. If you are using social media to promote your work, you want to make sure the manager on the campaign you applied for sees your recent achievements, and not just your Aunt Carol, though she’s important too! 

Learn a quick trick from me; everyday, take a moment to see who works in your industry, and see when their birthday is. On their big day, write them a quick birthday note. It’s a small but important gesture. 

As you build your network, so will grow the likelihood that when you are applying for a job, you have a connection with a mutual friend who can put in a good word for you. The personal endorsement of a professional contact makes all the difference when trying to get your application to stick out in the crowd.

Whether you work for yourself or someone else, being a boss is much more of a mindset than a title. It’s all about taking ownership over your career. As you begin “networking like a boss,” you’ll be viewed that way too. See you at the top!