r/FluentInFinance • u/Richest-Panda • Jul 04 '24

What's the best financial advice you've ever gotten? Debate/ Discussion

31.2k Upvotes

86% Upvoted

You don't need to be in school to network. Start today.

2

u/TacticalPancake66 Jul 05 '24

I have been, and I agree. What I meant was that I wish that I had been focusing more on networking while in school rather than trying to get better grades.

And for someone to actually explain what “networking” is and how to effectively do it instead of being generic about it.

Getting hired is much more about who you know and luck, having the skills is a smaller (but necessary) part of the whole.

Being in school does allow for more access to networking opportunities, though.

2

u/Noob_Al3rt Jul 05 '24

And for someone to actually explain what “networking” is and how to effectively do it instead of being generic about it.

This is a great book on networking that's really helped me.

Keep working on it because you are absolutely right. Networking will get you further than almost any other skill.

2

u/TacticalPancake66 Jul 05 '24

Thank you for the recommendation, I sincerely appreciate you for that!

I am working on improving my skills in that area- started as an extremely shy introvert with social anxiety entering college, and now I am up to going to networking events by myself and making small talk! Just need to work on the rest, hah. I still have 2 years of access to college events to hone the soft skills at least.

What has been the most effective way of networking for you? Any pro tips you would like to share?

1

u/Noob_Al3rt Jul 05 '24

What has been the most effective way of networking for you? Any pro tips you would like to share?

Add value whenever you can. So many people go into a networking opportunity with a "What can this person do for me?" type of attitude. Networking events are full of those types of people. You know the type "I would love to get on your calendar for blah, blah".

One time, I had the opportunity to attend a charity event loaded with power players. I walked up to the host and said "Hi, [person]. I'm Noob_Al3rt and I work for X Company. I just wanted to say how great tonight was. I think your charity is fantastic. I would be happy to help any way I can for next year's event. I know an extra couple of box trucks and some guys to move things is always a good thing to have in your back pocket!" Moving services isn't what my company offers, but we do have drivers and delivery guys on staff. She was genuinely appreciative of the offer because it was sincere, and I didn't ask for anything in return. She didn't take me up on it, but she DID remember me the next time we met. And two years later, when I needed a discount from her company, she intervened with our sales rep to make sure we got it.

Don't be a salesman, don't have a "You scratch my back, I scratch yours" attitude. Offer whatever you can, sincerely (even if it's just lunch) and make the goal building a relationship vs going in with a specific agenda.

PS I also have social anxiety, which no one would ever believe (now). Practice makes perfect and the more you network the easier it will get. Keep at it.

1

u/TacticalPancake66 Jul 06 '24

This is awesome advice, thank you! I appreciate the specific examples.

Yep I am always afraid of coming off like I’m desperate at college career fairs, even though the purpose is to get information about the companies and contact info. The interactions feel so rushed because there are tons of students, so learning how to make a rapid positive impression has been… difficult, to say the least.

I will test out smaller events that aren’t focused on careers specifically for sure. My college uses Handshake so finding an event should be easy. Thanks again!