Career | Networking Tips for New Veterans

Everyone understands the merits of networking, meeting new people and forging new connections. It's easy to do this during active service, when there is already such a strong common bond between military professionals. You work together, sleep together, eat together - it's hard not to network, not to forge connections in this environment. But what about veterans who have left the service? Learn some networking tips for veterans, and learn how easy networking can be even after the service is over. Networking Networking is simply meeting people and making a connection with them. Sound simple? That's because it really is, and with a few networking tips it can become even easier. New veterans may have trouble adjusting to a civilian environment after being in the service, where everyone shares common goals, obstacles, and responsibilities. It's much harder to find something in common with the civilians that now surround you, and this is why some post-military professionals struggle with networking. Tips Join 'Em: The first step in networking is to put yourself out there. You can't network if you aren't meeting new people. Where do your personal interests lie? If you are physically active, joining a sports league (softball, bowling, etc.) can provide a great opportunity to meet and network with others. If you're spiritual, join spiritual groups where you can communicate with others who share your beliefs. Whatever your interests are, the chances are excellent that there is some pre-formed group already in your community devoted to pursuing these interests. Join 'em - and networking will follow on its own. Meet Them: Joining, getting involved, is the first (and easiest) networking step. After this, the real effort of networking begins. To network and connect with others, you have to meet them. Introduce yourself, make friendly overtures, and greet those that surround you in your new environment. You won't make a connection with everyone, you won't even like everyone, but the secret of networking isn't in developing mutual friendship. Networking is simply about meeting, connecting, exchanging information. Don't be afraid to approach people, introduce yourself, and start up a dialogue. That's all that networking really is. Understand this, and you'll soon have networking down pat. Remember Them: Networking does little good if you don't remember those you make a connection with. Collect business cards and phone numbers to help you remember those that you have networked with. Write down little reminders (if they are married, what they do, if they have children, where you met them) along with the rest of their information. They'll be impressed with you for remembering, and this goes a long way toward making more lasting networking connections.