Job Tuition

3 Easy Ways to Network with Co-Workers

May 8th, 2007 by Andrew

We all know that networking is a vital aspect of our careers. It’s important to meet people, help them when you can, and keep in touch with them. Then when you’re in need, you have a network of people you can tap into.

But how do you build that network?

Fortunately, we’ve written about networking quite a bit here at Job Tuition. Past articles should help you a lot, and today’s post will provide a few more easy tips.

Here we go!

Let’s do lunch

There’s something to the concept that you should never eat alone. If you invite others to lunch and accept invitations when asked, you will naturally begin to form relationships.

Human beings are easy to connect with over food. Why does history talk about “breaking bread” together with friends and strangers? Sharing a meal brings us together in a concrete way, and it also eases the natural tension between us.

By no means do you have to eat with the gang every day for lunch. In fact, bringing a sack lunch some days can be great for other reasons (perhaps to get ahead on a project or make sure you meet a deadline). But you want to eat with co-workers often enough to form and maintain relationships outside the office walls.

Golf, anyone?

You should also make opportunities to connect with co-workers outside the work day completely. If your only relationship with a person is based on the office, that contact will not likely be solid when one of you leaves the current company. To prevent this, find some common ground outside the office.

An old classic is to go out for a round of golf on Saturday. Maybe you could organize a friendly poker game with some of the guys. What about inviting some people over for an informal barbecue?

The ideas here don’t have to be new and original. Just be yourself and find something you and your co-workers can enjoy together.

Thank you!

Today’s final tip is a simple one: thank others often. Your goal in building a network is to have a group of people who help each other out. People are more willing to help when a person shows gratitude. This is why showing your appreciation is vitally important.

For many things around the office, a simple verbal or email “thank you” would probably suffice. You definitely don’t want to go over the top.

But if someone really goes out of their way to help you out, go out of your way to thank him. Treating the person to lunch is a great idea, or perhaps you could get him a small gift card to a store or restaurant he frequents. Be sure your token of appreciation is appropriate, especially if the person is of the opposite gender as you. And don’t go overboard. But an occasional extra “thank you” can go a long way.

Now go build your network!