How To Network Your Way Around Chicago

Though Chicago is a city of 2.7 million you can make it feel small by building your professional network and while social media sites like Twitter and LinkedIn are useful nothing can replace the human connection we make when we meet and network face-to-face. Here are some ways to kickstart your network and form meaningful professional connections you can use down the road.

Use Social Media as a Tool

While your networking techniques should not solely depend on the internet, using social media sites as a tool is encouraged. If you’re not already on LinkedIn, make a profile and connect with all past and present colleagues. Follow companies you admire, respond to real-time updates, endorse others, and write recommendations. Finally, don’t be afraid to share your work. People are interested in finding bright, new professionals to connect with and there’s no better way to find those people than through their impressive work.

Attend Industry Events

No matter what you specialize in there’s bound to be an event focused on it. Seek out events that are highly attended, focused, and positively reviewed. Ask colleagues about events they like, look in the paper, or simply Google search professional events in the city. You’re sure to find at least one that grabs your attention.

Join a Networking Group

A perk of living in a city of over two million? An endless number of organizations to join. From professional associations to women’s business organizations, there’s a group that can provide the kind of networking you are searching for. Joining a networking group is a valuable resource that can give you access to events that attract hundreds of people in the same field as you.

Perfect your Pitch

When you go to these events you’ll need to be prepared. Develop a 20-30 second “pitch” or “elevator speech” describing who you are and what you do. Always have business cards in your back pocket. These will create a solid first impression and who you meet will be more likely to reach out to you if they have your and understand what you do.

When you live in a metropolis like Chicago, taking advantage of the networking opportunities is a must. Whether you attend industry events or join a networking group, you’ll be pushing your career forward and meeting professionals from all across the city in a fun and exciting way.

How do you network your way around Chicago?

By: ParadigmNext https://paradigmnext.com.com

Google+: https://plus.google.com/+ParadigmNextChicago

ParadigmNEXT, Inc. is a new kind of marketing agency that integrates the two sides of the brain: strategic communications and business know-how. Connecting creativity with expertise in multiple industries, we are able to deliver measurable improvements and maximum impact.