For many IT contractors hearing the word “networking” causes a cold shiver to run down their spines. It conjures up images of stuffy conference rooms, drab food and forced awkward small talk.
Nicholas Hopkins, Director and Head of Contract at VIQU, told us that although he has personally benefitted from this traditional form of networking in the past, he can understand why some people do not like it.
In this guide, Nicholas explains there are so many different forms of networking that most IT professionals do not even consider.
They are easy, low-key and efficient. Yet they can be just as effective as traditional networking, creating long-term relationships and the potential for excellent contracting opportunities.
Use your previous clients and co-workers to your advantage
The beauty of contracting is that it gives you the opportunity to meet and work with lots of people in your field. It can be easy to lose touch with your peers over the years, yet that would be a big mistake, as they can be your greatest asset. Not just for creating new contracting opportunities but also for gaining valuable insights into the market.
To ensure you keep in touch with your peers as you move from contract to contract, I would recommend adding them as connections on LinkedIn.
Through posting interesting content you think your peers would be interested in, liking / commenting on their posts and new job / work anniversary news, and sending them the occasional friendly direct message, you will stay on the minds of your peers.
If social media platforms aren’t your thing, send the occasional email, or meet people for coffee.
These are easy ways to stay connected with your industry peers, especially if you’re not a natural networker!
Optimise your LinkedIn efforts
Following on from my previous point, it’s important to keep your LinkedIn profile up to date with your current skillset and new work experiences.
For example, if someone you worked with you a while back knows their client needs someone with your skills, they can easily be reminded of your up-to-date skillset by checking out your profile, and might put you forward to the client as a result.
Written references future-proofs your efforts
You should aim to secure a written reference from each contract you work on. You should not rely on the fact the person still works for the company, because the reality is that they won’t forever. Personal circumstances change and life happens, which could ultimately result in you not having someone who can vouch for your good work during that contract.
I know this is not networking in the traditional sense, but there are always connections to be realised and by having a written reference (preferably on headed company paper), you have evidence of your good work and who you worked with, and it’ll be valid now or if you need it in 20 years time.
Secure personal contacts
I’d also highly recommend getting the personal email address of one manager / senior colleague per contract at a minimum. Again, work circumstances will likely change for everyone eventually and there’s no guarantee how long LinkedIn will dominate the professional landscape. Personal email addresses rarely change, so you can use them as part of your long-term networking strategy – sending the occasionally hello, Merry Christmas or Happy Birthday message.
Make introductions – be helpful!
This can come in many forms; whether that’s making contractor or ‘good’ recruitment agent introductions, or recommending a service or product etc. but all I know is that people really appreciate when someone takes the time to help them out. It creates a really positive association with you in their minds and that could result in a contractor recommending your skillset to a business they’re working with etc. or an ex-client reaching back out to re-engage your services.
And finally… socialise!
There are so many ways to socialise other than traditional networking events. In our industry there are tonnes of tech meet-ups – where you’ll likely meet lots of people who feel the same way about forced networking. Meet-ups tends to be specific to a particular sector of IT / skillset so you’ll be speaking with people who understand the same topics as you, so conversation should be a lot easier.
But remember to look at what options are available within the company you’re currently contracting with too. There’ll likely be opportunities to attend company events and socials where you can get to know your colleagues in a less formal setting. This is great for making long-term connections.
If you work remotely, look to see if there are any online meet-ups or socials available. Many large companies that have a remote workforce organise virtual lunches and coffee mornings to give their remote workers the opportunity to get to know their colleagues better.
To conclude, hopefully I’ve convinced you that networking doesn’t have to be this scary thing which you do in a traditional “networking” setting. You can incorporate networking into your day-to-day life!
Being a contractor, there’s an element of relying on yourself to generate the right contracts and ultimately earn money. Therefore, it’s important to work out a networking approach that works for you.
Creating and nurturing long-term connections and relationships will only serve you well. And, I might be doing myself out of work here, but having relationships where a hiring manager has a skills gap and thinks of you, or a contractor connection can recommend you to their clients, can be extremely fruitful. So whilst you’re concentrating on doing a top-notch job on your next contract, remember to take the time to build some new long-lasting connections!
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