Pro Tip: Not everyone is an extravert. If you're not, take 20 minutes and try this.
...it's always helped me.
Online Presence
LinkedIn
Put a pic on your profile... It's the second decade of the 21st century, c'mon
Customize the URL of your public profile
Log in, click on your picture, select view profile
On the right, click Edit public profile & URL
On the right, under Edit public profile URL, click the pencil
Type your new desired URL into the text field
(It will tell you if the option you want is already taken)
Click save
GitHub
If you have content to share, this is an easy way
It doesn't need to be code to post it to GitHub!
Showcase your artwork and/or designs
Pure text:
- Self-publish your novel, or invite friends to help as editors
- Maybe a repository of articles you've written
A website about you and/or your work (this site is hosted on GitHub : )
Of course, if you are (or are interested in being) a developer, you need an account
Facebook, Twitter, Reddit, Instagram, Pinterest, etc.
If you have an account... cool
If your account is easily identifiable as you (or you list it on your résumé):
If you have controversial or crazy posts/content, take it down
...or lock it down
You're trying to market yourself now, like a brand
Remember what happened with United when seen on social media beating and forcibly hauling passengers
off planes? Maybe best not to have your brand look irresponsible, right?
Google yourself and see what others (even potential employers) may turn up
Interpersonal Networking
Get over yourself
Look down on no one
You can learn something from absolutely anyone
Most people won't be at their current role forever
Always befriend the gatekeepers like admin assistants, secretaries, and coordinators
If you're a snobbish jerk to someone, someone else will always know
Drop the sales pitch, just be a person
Don't hijack the conversation, listen more than you talk
If you had a bad day, don't make it someone else's problem
Smile
Share personal stories
Personal stories make you more interesting, memorable, and likable
Sharing something even slightly personal brings the other person "inside,"
it establishes trust to build further rapport
Ice-breakers start conversation
If you're at a large event (especially a networking event), most people don't know anyone else, either
Many people will fluidly talk about themselves... it's way easier than
speaking about unfamiliar or more complex topics
Most everyone loves food and vacation/travel, so those are often great starts
If you have opportunity, do a bit of homework on the person: their field of work,
company, likes, interests, and/or hobbies
"Hi, I don't know many people here, so I wanted to introduce myself. I'm..."
"Any chance you're up on the news today? I missed it and I'm curious what's happening with..."
