Networking as a Professional of Color: 4 Tips to Expand Your Network
Networking: A word we’re probably all too familiar with. Like it or not, networking is the key to finding success in the professional world. But, not all networking is created equal. Who you know and your background (where you went to school, current job role, where you grew up, etc) play a lot into your ability to network effectively. In the United States, people of color tend to have a harder time networking than their white peers for a few reasons: people of color have a harder time feeling at ease and the ability to be fully themselves in the workplace and institutions of higher learning for fear of not being thought of as capable or smart, they also have to explore and navigate racial boundaries in social settings in a these environments which makes it harder for them to form genuine connections, and they’re less likely to know someone in a position of influence in their chosen professional field than their white peers. You know you need to grow your network but it’s hard to know where to start. That’s why today we’re talking about 4 different ways to get out there and begin the process of expanding your networking circle and building those essential, genuine, connections!
1. Start the Conversation
No one knows what you want besides you, and no one can take those first steps besides you. Starting a conversation is the key to beginning to network. It can be hard, putting yourself out there and reaching out to people in your field or having a conversation with someone in your workplace. But it’s essential, and once you get past the awkwardness of your first few networking conversations, it’ll become second nature. This doesn’t need to be a long conversation either, just introduce yourself, tell them why you’re choosing to reach out to them in particular, quickly tell them what you are hoping to learn or are interested in, and thank them for their time, it can be short and sweet, don’t overthink it!
2. Find Your Community
Finding your community is easier said than done, but it’s crucial to good networking. Community can also be used in a broader sense of the word like a mentorship program, a Facebook group for professionals of color in your field, professional conferences and events. Find spaces where you’re accepted, comfortable, learning, and meeting new people. But also, volunteer in the community you live in and see who you meet, you never know how connections you make in the real world may affect your professional life and career.
3. Be Active on Social Media
You need to be connected to network. It’s important to keep an active and updated profile on platforms like LinkedIn, and if you can, create a professional account on Facebook and Instagram. Follow people in your field, peers, and coworkers, and don’t be afraid to reach out and message them! Same with connecting with old mentors and professors, even though you might not have kept in contact with them as much as you had wished, it’s never too late to rekindle that relationship. Social media is a tool, use it to your advantage as much as you can.
4. Network at Work
This one may seem redundant, but trust us that it works. Networking at work can look like having lunch with someone in a field that you’re interested in, scheduling one on ones with someone higher up in your field, chatting with coworkers in the break room, or even talking with people who temporarily enter your work space like speakers, or potential coworkers. People having a positive memory and association with you is crucial to being thought of for career advancements and potential job openings. Networking at work is a great way to move up in your current place of employment, or to find a position somewhere else.
Networking is hard work, but you’ve got it! The more you do it, the easier it becomes. But it can still feel isolating navigating the professional world as a person of color. If you feel like you’re not being heard or are having a hard time connecting with the people you work with, it can be helpful to talk to someone and get an outside perspective. Book your free consultation with us today and see how Mayra can help you in your journey to meet your professional goals!