3 Tips To Networking Like A Boss

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You may already know that, just like a lot of millennial girls, I work a full-time job alongside my blog. Contrary to what a lot of people have come to expect from bloggers, I feel that my professional career is a big part of what has kept me grounded and focused to make the most of the time at every moment, taught me to treat my blog my an actual business instead of a hobby, and turned me into being pretty damn good at multitasking, if I do say so myself.

Another thing that my full-time job has really taught me? The art of networking, and making professional connections that will take my career and business to the next level. One of the most common questions I always get asked is how I get to work with all of the amazing brands and people who I’ve met throughout my journey… and I have to say that a big part of it has come down to me learning how to create and maintain mutually beneficial relationships that inspire me to grow everyday and connect me with opportunities that’ll ultimately get me paid 🤑

Today, I’m partnering with Bumble Bizz to share my top 3 networking tips that I live by – read on to find out! [/two_third][one_sixth_last] [/one_sixth_last]

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1. Craft A Value-Based Elevator Pitch

The first step is always the hardest, and when it comes to networking, that definitely rings true. Your elevator pitch is your 1-2 minute introduction that you use to introduce yourself to people and  let them know what you’re all about and why they should give you the time of day.

One of the biggest mistakes people make with their elevator pitch is that they forget to include the value that they’re bringing to the table! On an almost weekly basis, I receive direct messages and e-mails from people who want to meet me for coffee, because they want tips on how to grow their own blog. I’m a HUGE supporter of risk-takers and small business owners like myself, but it’s unrealistic for me to take every single meeting request… because at the end of the day, that’s time I’ve spent away from my business… and unfortunately I’m getting nothing in return.

So next time you zero in on the one person you would LOVE to connect with and/or work for one day, outline your biggest values and assets – whether they are your education, experience and/or creative skills… and make sure you lead with your values. You’ll be sure to get the attention you deserve![/two_third][one_sixth_last] [/one_sixth_last][one_half padding="0 5px 0 0"]

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2. Find Your One Connection

No matter how self-sufficient you are, there’s always somebody else who knows more than you or has the insight you need to take your career or business to the next level. By outlining what your goal is, you can usually identify who that one connection is that you’ll need to tap into… and that’s where you can work your elevator pitch magic!

I’ve had former bosses recommend me for new career opportunities, PR agencies that I’ve worked with in the past connect me with my dream brands… and even fellow bloggers who I can grab lunch and chat business with. Having a solid professional network that’s full of valuable relationships is so important, and I can definitely say that I wouldn’t be where I am today without the people around me who have contributed to my success.

Thanks to the internet, there are tons of ways to connect with people now… but one of my favorites has been the newest feature on the Bumble smartphone app: Bumble Bizz! Using the same swipe-right, swipe-left tactic that you’re already familiar with, it’s the newest and easiest way to expand your professional network, find your next career mentor and make money moves into the next step of your career. [/two_third][one_sixth_last] [/one_sixth_last]

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3. Put The Phone Down & Connect IRL

So you’ve swiped and found your one connection, congratulations! Now comes the next step: put your phone away and take things to the next level with an in-person face to face meeting as soon as possible! I’ll tell you guys this now, I have hopped on a plane and traveled to a new city JUST to take a quick meeting or interview because I knew that making a physical connection would make all the difference in helping me achieve the goal that I was setting out to do.

That isn’t to say that you’ll always need to drop some serious cash for every single in-person meeting you embark on! But I can definitely guarantee that you’re bound to have a much stronger relationship with someone you meet over lunch or coffee once, than someone you’ve been emailing for six months straight. Nothing beats a real-life meeting, and if you’re feeling nervous, don’t forget to go over your value-based elevator pitch in your head and greet your new connection with a smile and firm handshake. You’ll be on your way to your next big career move in no time![/two_third][one_sixth_last] [/one_sixth_last][one_half padding="0 5px 0 0"]

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This post was created in partnership with Bumble; all views are my own.
Thank you for supporting posts that keep Millennielle up and running!

shot by Udee B.