Real Networking Skills for Real Teenagers

What is real networking?

Simply, it is meeting people and building contacts in the community.

Whether that community is business, social or academic, real networking pays off.

Let's look at an example

Ashley has decided she is ready to look for work. She is 16 and her parents told her that she has to get a job if she wants spending money. No more allowance.

Sounds harsh? Maybe. But, Ashley has a broad social network. In other words, she has a lot of friends. One of her closest friends, Ann, already has a job at a local fast-food restaurant. One day, Ashley and Ann are talking when Ashley mentions needing to find work.

Ann tells her that the fast-food place is hiring and offers to bring her an application to fill out.

Ultimately, Ashley gets the job, where she remains for over a year.

This is a true story. Ashley now works a full-time job in a different field, and is saving for college and a car.

Had Ashley neglected her social network, her friends, she would not necessarily have known the fast-food place was looking for people. Because she and Ann were close friends and willing to help each other out, she found her position quickly.

You don't have to be a high powered businessperson to for real networking. You don't need to wear suits or carry a briefcase. And you don't have to be in "fake" relationships.

In fact, "faking it" is worse than not networking at all.

Instead, focus on getting to know people. Those you like, stay in touch with, spend time together. If the person needs something, and you can help out (it could be tutoring, housework, or babysitting), do it. Then, if you need something later, you can feel confident about going to that person with a request.

Whatever you do, don't forget that it's not all about you. No matter what Happy Bunny^® says.

Networking is a two-way street.

Now, you might be asking, "How can I do real networking with professionals and not just other teens?"

Obviously, it will be more challenging to move in grown-up circles when you are 16 or 17. But don't give up! Join an organization that you are interested in. Get to know the people in charge. Also, attend events that interest you and talk to the adults there.

If you and one of the adults bond, mention that you are working on building your contacts. That you want to get to know people who can mentor you as you prepare for college or to enter the working world.

Another option is to find a person who is doing what you want to do. If your dream is to become a lawyer, ask around if anyone knows a lawyer

Maybe one of your friends' parents is a lawyer. Or has a relative who practices law. If this is the case, call and ask for a meeting. Explain that you want to learn more because you are considering a law career. Most professionals are glad to take a few minutes to share with a young person who is genuinely interested.

The main thing to remember is to relax and be honest. Don't worry about what a person can do for you. Get to know them and do things for them, instead. It will pay off. Big time. And in ways you cannot imagine.

Another example:

I am friends with a couple. The wife and I get together about once a week for coffee and dinner.

Sometimes her husband comes along. And we all enjoy each other's company.

So, when I was out of work, I decided to try to find something in a new field. I mentioned it to my friend. Her husband later emailed me with contact information for a guy he knew who was looking to hire an office manager. I applied and got the position.

Never in a million years did I become friends with this couple thinking it would get me a job. But, I was someone they knew and trusted, so when the job opening was mentioned, the husband thought of me.

This is how real networking happens. You cannot go in with a pre-conceived idea of what you will get out of a relationship.

Let the relationship grow naturally and great things will happen.