Is it OK to...Build Connections With Prospective Employers

OK Kelly,

I am writing with a burning question on how to build my professional network. I'm a first year Bachelor of Commerce Student who hopes one of my finance internships will lead to a full-time job after graduation. I am currently reaching out to people in various positions in different finance companies – largely Investment Banks – and the first-time meetings are going well.
 
I would like to know:

• how I can keep up contact with them periodically
• what I can talk about with them that’s not just about their company or the news
• in general how I can make our interactions less transactional.

I would love to eventually be on informal terms with my growing contact list so we become more like work friends than people who know each other, but I’m not sure how to advance the conversation to get there.
 
As these are very busy people with 14+ hour stressful day jobs, I don’t want to become annoying or a burden to reply to. So I’d also love to hear your thoughts on how often you recommend reaching out to stay in contact.

Sincerely, 
Don't Want To Be An Annoying Networker

Ok, Don't Want To Be Annoying - 

Congrats! You're on track to building a strong network filled with meaningful connections because you're thinking about it now - not in your final year of college.

And yes, I have a few thoughts and suggestions.

First networking thought, have patience. It takes time to build relationships. One of the stories I tell is how the best selling author of 19 books became a mentor and friend - short version of the story, it took 7 years (for many of those years, it was idle banter on Twitter). Consistently showing up and having patience, not trying to force a connection, that is the best way to build a strong, professional network.

Second item to keep in mind, some people aren't looking to add on more friends, so don't worry if they aren't opening up or sharing personal information. And as a practical matter, it is rather hard to build a large professional network by getting to know each person deeply. There are only so many hours in a week! A strong network includes both people we know well, and those less well, so don't fret if relationships remain "professional" and the conversation centers on work. 

Third and final thought on this: pay attention to what's going on in the industry. Keep on top of trends and developments as that will give you something deeper to talk about with prospective employers than "how are things going at work?". Watch what they post and talk about too —as there may be conversation starters there. It's never transactional if you're genuinely interested in a topic and the other person's insights and opinions. 

And my suggestions:

💡 Make a list of who you want to stay in touch with - whether for job leads or hiring opportunities. Every few weeks sleuth around their online profiles to see if there is news or updates about them - as their accolades and accomplishments are ripe opportunities to reach out. As to timing and the content of your outreach? It depends on how frequently they post and what their news is. But don't be afraid to send a something as simple as "saw your news, congrats on the promotion" - as sometimes less is more when you're networking with busy people.

💡 Set-up Google alerts on the companies you're interested in working for, for the same reason as the point above. Their news is your invitation to reach out and deepen a networking connection or to seek an introduction.

💡 Jessica Peltz-Zatulove is a master of following the trail of business news to unlock opportunities. Read her networking for success case study at page 59 of Build Your Dream Network.

Ok?

Kelly

p.s. One more suggestion, download Chapter 2 of my next book. It's a network audit, which doesn't sexy, but discovering you have connections with real insights into the employers you're interested in working with, is.