How to Network at Work (Carefully) - The Muse

How to Network at Work (Carefully) - The MuseHow to Network at Work (Carefully) Youve enjoyed your job. And youre really darn good at it. But youre starting to feel the itch.It may not be a full-blown burn (yet), but youre wondering what it might be like to go do something else- in another department, city, or entirely different organization. And you know people who might be supremely helpful.Theres just one small problem You work with them. Theyre a client, or a business partner, or a company your team works closely with. Or, theyre sitting just a table or amtsstube away and you have your eye on making an internal transfer.Basically, the people best-equipped to help you explore your next career opportunity are kind of (or, completely) the last people who can know that youre thinking about making a change.If this is your challenge, fear not- you can still make progress without jeopardizing your job. You just need to proceed with care and a good strategy. Here are five tips that will help guide you in how to network at work1. Volunteer for Special ProjectsAre there opportunities available at your company to volunteer for stretch assignments, special projects, or cross-functional committees? If you have designs on shifting to another group within your current organization, raise your hand for any and all of these assignments.By working on something with a new set of people, youll not only have the chance to learn about other departments and network with co-workers on those teams, youll gain exposure well beyond your current scope that may help in padding your resume, should you decide to make the switch.Be sure to capitalize on that exposure, too. Ask your teammates questions about what theyre working on, the challenges they face, the skills theyve built, the people theyve worked with, or the best parts of their jobs. You can certainly show interest and gain some helpful knowledge or connections without appearing suspicious- after all, youre just making small tal k- and these types of projects provide a great opportunity to do so.2. Knock Their Socks OffMaybe youre sitting there thinking, Hmmmmmy top customer sure would be a great point person if Im thinking about shifting into field/company. Before I go further, Ill say flat-out that this is one of those moments when you should proceed with extreme caution. You dont want to screw up a customer relationship and your current employment by overstepping your boundaries. If youre feeling like a client or colleague could be a great person to network with, make sure youre consistently knocking it out of the park and excelling at the work you do for them. Show that person what a valuable and irreplaceable asset you are, day in and day out. Folks who landsee how great you are at your job will be that much more inclined to hire you or recommend you to someone else in the future.Also, express interest in that persons work, their goals, and their life outside the office (just dont get too personal). Pe ople love it when they feel valued and noticed, and theyll often be more than willing to return the goodwill if youve been an ally and someone who has helped make their job easier.3. Make it a Long GameIf youre not pants-on-fire dying to make a move, view this as a long-game versus a rush. Focus on building relationships and trust with the people you think (or know) may be beneficial to your career path.Theres plenty of truth to the saying, Its not what you know, its who you know. But the real benefit of networking goes beyond simply knowing someone. Its also about how they feel about you and your capabilities, your personality, and your work ethic.So, say youre working at your companys Chicago office and hoping to transfer to the Seattle location within the next year or so. Now would be the time to get to know your counterparts in Seattle. Certainly, you dont want to be disingenuous about it (people can smell that a mile away), but if your job gives you plausible reason to communic ate with, demonstrate your talents to, and win over those colleagues, start the process well before your itch becomes an inferno. When the time comes for you to apply for that transfer, youll feel confident your co-workers are eager to have you hop on board their team- and will advocate willingly for you.4. Keep a Lid on ComplainingNo matter who youre trying to connect with, resist the temptation to say anything negative about your current job. Nothing turns off a key client not only from doing business with you, but also from being your career guide like badmouthing your current company- even if it has nothing to do with them and everything to do with your specific role, team, or manager. The same goes for current colleagues, whether theyre down the hall or across the country. Focus your energies on expanding your network and expertise and maintaining a positive professional image instead.5. Dont Count on People to Keep the SecretThis is an important final thought As close as you m ight feel to your colleagues and clients, you cant always count on them not to spread the word if you divulge that youre kind of sort of looking for something new. Its not that theyre purposefully trying to ruin your plans- its just that sometimes people really like feeling in the know when in water cooler (or happy hour) conversations, and as a result tend to spill the beans.If youre not flat-out ready for others (a.k.a, your boss) to know youre sniffing around, its probably best to keep your ideas or intentions on the down-low. Again, do some positioning. Ask curious questions. Get exposure beyond your current department, office location, or company. As highlighted above, you can do all these things without revealing your true motives- networking is ultimately about more than just saying help me find a job. Just dont count on anyone but your besties to keep a lid on it. Theres nothing wrong with networking on the job as long as youre keeping on top of your tasks, being genuine, an d continuing to show loyalty and respect for your current employer. By having a strong work ethic and eagerness to learn, youll immediately attract the right kind of attention from the right kinds of people who can set you on a path to success.