Skip to main content

Forget these 5 networking myths

By WTOP Staff

Do you cringe when you hear about networking? It has a bad rap, but networking is simply about building relationships, which is the cornerstone of both life and every success. Forget these five networking myths that hold you back, and start using networking to your advantage.

MYTH: It’s about strong relationships. You don’t have to wait until you’ve had coffee with someone six times and asked them to be your mentor to bring your networking relationship to the next level. Research shows it’s your weak ties that make you successful. So don’t be afraid to reach out to that person you met at a friend’s dinner party once. That person is more likely to be able to help you than the friend you hang out with on a regular basis. Besides, there can only be so many people you’re close to. The sheer diversity of weak ties and acquaintances puts you in an enviable position of being able to reach out to anyone and find a new job or client.

MYTH: You have to go to networking events. While the dreaded networking event is just as good a place as any to meet someone and strike up a conversation, many people feel uncomfortable under the spotlight. Lucky for you, a networking event is not the only place to practice networking. You can meet people with similar interests and connections during your everyday life. Think: couples game nights, baseball games, art gallery openings, alumni get-togethers, cookouts, kids play dates or just meeting some friends for drinks. Whether you’re going grocery shopping or to an awards show, any time you’re with other people is an opportunity to build those weak ties.

MYTH: The best connections are offline. There’s no need to limit your efforts to real-life networking. Online recruiting events, Twitter and Facebook groups are fantastic places to meet new people — especially those in new fields of interest. Participate in online communities to exponentially grow your weak ties. Not sure where to start? Search for a Facebook group that might interest you, like social media. Request to join the group, and when you’re approved, comment on another member’s status update or question. That’s it! No big secret, and no, it’s not that different from what you already do online all day.

MYTH: You have to wait for an offer to help. While many of us wouldn’t admit to holding this belief, we don’t reach out to our network or follow up. Instead, we consistently wish and hope for something good to happen. But you cannot think your way into success! The only way to get what you want is to ask, because no one can read your mind. It’s scary to put yourself out there, but people want to help you — it makes them feel good. Be specific and concise in your request, and don’t worry about crafting the perfect note. No one needs to know your life story or why you hate your boss (the past) — just what you need to take the next step (the future).

Here are two simple, proven and effective scripts you can use right now with both your strong and weak ties to find a new job or a side gig:

The “I’m Looking for a New Job” script:

“Hi [Name],

I am looking to leave my full-time job, and I was wondering if you knew of any [social media/marketing] jobs or any awesome people I should talk to. I’d love to explore opportunities in the [agency] or [startup] world.

Wanted to put my feelers out…

Thanks in advance! – [Your Name]”

The “I’m Looking for Freelance Opportunities” script:

“Hi [Name],

I am taking on extra work in the [marketing/social media] world, and I was wondering if you knew of any consulting or freelance gigs that might be good. Or any great people I should talk to? I already do work for [agency] and would love to add another client to my roster.

Wanted to put my feelers out…

Thanks in advance! – [Your Name]”

You can edit these scripts to match your situation, so no excuses! If you aren’t currently employed, take that part out. If you’re not comfortable sharing information about your current clients, share the type of work you are looking for instead. The important part is to reach out to folks today. Try emailing five people to start.

MYTH: It’s awkward to keep in touch. What do you say to these weak ties you barely know? Do you take them to coffee and ask about their kids? Should you email them every four weeks with monthly updates? While you certainly can do those things, and they are great actions to take, you don’t need to worry about networking the “right” way. If it feels unnatural to you, don’t do it.

Instead, when it occurs to you that so- and-so would love the article you just came across, shoot them an email. When you have a backyard cookout, and your friend’s friend would probably enjoy meeting the rest of your clan, invite him or her. If you never think about that person you met at that business conference again, rest easy. You didn’t mess up or miss out. More likely, it just wasn’t the right time to stay in touch with that person.

Networking doesn’t have to be a complicated undertaking. Rise above the usual networking myths, and build and use relationships in your everyday life. When you reach out to those around you, the world will conspire in your favor.

Rebecca Healy is the founder of Kontrary, a different take on money and happiness that helps you take control of your work and life. She lives in Washington, DC.

More from U.S. News

How to Network When You Hate Networking

The 100 Best Jobs of 2014

How to Become a Networking Superstar

Forget These 5 Networking Myths originally appeared on usnews.com

Don’t Settle for Student Loans to Pay for Online Education

By WTOP Staff
Online college programs are becoming a more popular choice for prospective students, with one study finding that more than 6 million students enrolled in at least one online course in fall 2015. The popularity of these courses can be attributed in part to their flexibility with working adults' schedules, students' ability to progress more quickly through online programs and, oftentimes, cheaper tuition. [See 10 low-cost online bachelor's programs for out-of-state students.]Online degrees can be beneficial to many college students, but some studies have shown online learners complete their programs at lower rates than students at traditional brick-and-mortar campuses. Individuals with student loans but no degree comprise two-thirds of defaulted borrowers. Though these numbers are not encouraging, just like for traditional programs, there are ways to reduce how much you'll need to borrow for an online program to ensure you won't become one of these statistics. Don't just settle on borrowing student loans to cover the whole cost of your program and living expenses. Instead, start thinking about how to cut costs and cover your balance in different ways, such as the following. -- Grants and scholarships: Even though you are taking an online course, you can still apply and receive grants and scholarships. But your first step should be to complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid, commonly referred to as the FAFSA, which will allow you to receive a Pell Grant if your expected family contribution is low enough. The EFC criteria and award amounts are adjusted annually, but the 2017-2018 academic year awards range from $606 to $5,920, which could significantly lower the amount you borrow annually. Your next step is to apply for scholarships. You can start by checking online scholarship search engines, such as the Salt Scholarship Search, College Board's BigFuture and Peterson's. But don't forget to take advantage of local organizations and your school's financial aid office. Both may offer scholarships that you can't find with a national scholarship search. [Review these 10 sites to kick off your scholarship search.]For instance, organizations like the Elks Club, Knights of Columbus or the Rotary Club typically offer scholarships annually to local students. Just because you're going to school online doesn't mean you're ineligible. Visit your local library for scholarship listings, and ask around town. You might be surprised how many local organizations offer scholarships. While these scholarships typically aren't large, every little bit counts. Each dollar you receive in a scholarship is a dollar you don't have to borrow and pay interest on. -- Work-study: Another option for online students may be work-study awards. Not all students enrolled in online programs are eligible, but students at some schools -- including, for example, SUNY Empire State College and Liberty University -- are. Work-study awards are not given upfront like scholarships and grants. In most cases, they are an offer to earn up to the awarded amount if you secure an eligible work-study job. While there is a misconception that all work-study jobs must be on campus, students can work for off-campus, nonprofit or public employers as long as the work is in the public's interest. You may be able to work for a for-profit employer if the job is relevant to your course of study. No matter who the outside employer is, it will need to have an established agreement with your college for you to receive work-study funds. Remember, to be eligible for federal financial aid, you must be enrolled and pursuing a degree or certificate. If you're not working toward a credential, Pell Grants and work-study won't be option, but you may still be able to take advantage of private scholarships -- just be sure to read the eligibility criteria carefully. [Explore what to know about financial aid in online programs.]-- Pay as you go: One of the great benefits to enrolling online is the flexible schedule, which can allow you to complete your college coursework around your responsibilities. But prospective students often overlook using their part- or full-time job earnings as an option for paying for college. Almost 80 percent of college students in 2015 worked at least part time while attending classes, according to the National Center for Education Statistics. By budgeting and thinking strategically about your college costs, you can likely reduce your dependence on student loans by paying a portion out of pocket. Many -- but not all -- online programs are less expensive than traditional programs and often have shorter payment periods. Six, eight or 10 weeks are common course durations. Because of the frequency of payments in an online setting, you may be well-placed to pay as you go and possibly avoid borrowing altogether. Attending college online and avoiding student loans may be challenging, but if you are willing to put in the effort, you can limit the amount you need to borrow. More from U.S. News Q&A: Understanding Student Loan Discharge Eligibility Student Loan Refinancing Isn't Right for All Borrowers
Read Next Story

Related News

Frustration grows in Venezuela as earthquake death toll reaches 1,430

Israel and Lebanon sign framework agreement with US in ‘first step’ toward peace, Rubio says

Trump-endorsed populist poised to become Colombia’s next president as rival challenges vote