From the course: The Ultimate Guide to Professional Networking

Get your networking covered by your job

From the course: The Ultimate Guide to Professional Networking

Get your networking covered by your job

- In order to prove how win-win networking can be for both and your employer, I want to show you how you can build your own personal network and get paid to do so in the process. Let's start with the fact that maybe attending an industry event is too costly for you. No problem, this actually presents a wonderful opportunity for you and the company which employs you. Follow these three steps to make a big step forward in your networking goals with your employer footing the bill and both of you receiving a tremendous benefit. First, do research on what event would be the most viable for you professionally and then write up all of the ways that your attendance will help your company, don't skimp on this. Write down every conceivable benefit that your company might expect. Next, use that list to make the case that your company should pay for you to attend, this means you would get paid leave plus the company would cover the cost of travel and meals, plus cost of admission. Once you convince your boss that it's a good investment, then get to work on how to make the most out of this event. And remember you do that by keeping in mind, that the best parts of the industry events are the side shows, the so called lobby con interactions, parties, and casual hang out sessions, where you have drinks with people. Get invited to anything you can, and go make the most out of the event for you. Third, be sure you also do what you promised your boss you would do. Attend some sessions that are relevant to your job and come back with plenty of value for your boss. All told, you'll have helped the company's bottom line, not to mention your standing within it. And you will have expanded your personal network in ways that will far outlast your job. Remember, building your network is going to produce results for your company, this will preserve your personal credibility and your boss is going to love the new hustle. But, it's also about you expanding your platform for yourself, not just being a good employee. Your boss won't care, you'll probably be promoted along the way. Enjoy the ride, but, don't lose track of your goal of owning a network that lives beyond your job. Play the long game and realize that the upside goes far beyond your current paycheck.

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