Essential Networking Ideas for Seniors Looking To Increase Their Connections
Accomplishing meaningful goals requires teamwork, but time demands and life changes can shrink your network. For example, one study found that individuals over 50 take up to two months longer to find a job than younger job seekers. The reason can be that smaller social circles lead to fewer opportunities, and the same issue could hinder attempts to create a business or nonprofit. Use these networking tips to expand your contacts and influence during a new professional pursuit.
Attending In-Person Events
The return to in-person events creates an excellent networking opportunity. People are excited to enjoy live workshops, seminars, and other activities, and the positive vibes put them in a mood to say yes to new propositions. Prepare to confidently interact with other attendees with a concise introduction about results you can deliver and pointed questions to get a conversation flowing.
Update your business cards with a printing service or at home using your personal computer and printer. If you need a logo design, research online logo makers for help designing an attention-grabbing emblem. Even folks who can’t draw a straight line find it easy to select a style and choose from various options. Adjust the colors to fit your brand palette and put your company name in a bold but easy-to-read font.
Suitable events may be just outside your door as residents of senior living communities like Villa Rose can take advantage of community activities to find neighbors looking for a new project to support. Look for professional luncheons and seminars on tactics you want to employ, allowing you to learn necessary skills and build an association of local supporters.
Building Connections Online
If you haven’t embraced business networking on social media, learn a different technique for growing your circle daily. Master the nuances of each platform. Certain sites only allow a limited number of connection requests and require payment for features that provide more visibility. If you want to boost your social capital quickly, hire a service to help you build connections and find leads. Be wary of offers that are too good to be true from folks who are conveniently never available for a video chat.
Make yourself available to mentor others who can offer complementary skills to your objectives. Don’t shut down a conversation because there are no readily apparent synergies. A gregarious influencer might be a link to the person you need to partner with or hire, and investing in folks with the right attitude is usually more important than finding those with compatible skills.
Maintaining Connections
Shyness or introversion can easily cause your network to narrow over time. While it may be draining to keep up with acquaintances to preserve and strengthen relationships, prioritize the activity as an essential part of your work day. Continually use social media to like and comment on posts of those in your circle, keeping you top of mind when they’re alerted about your appreciation for their thoughts.
Old school methods still work wonders and can be more effective than electronic communication. Don’t hesitate to send an email or direct message to catch up with an acquaintance, but a handwritten card or letter makes more of an impact. Send at least one communication by snail mail weekly to stay in the habit and fortify your network.
The principles of good networking are the same as always — good communication and sincere personal interest in others. Mix new socializing methods with tried and true techniques to restore previous connections and expand your circle to reach new goals.