1. Understanding Networking
Networking is forming connections which are beneficial to both parties. It’s about providing each other with the required help in whichever form it is needed.
Such connections are genuine and based on shared interests.
Show your teen how it helps in their growth, both personal as well as in the number of people they’re able to reach out to. Like reaching out for internship advice or help with a school project.
2. Effective Communication Skills
If they need to reach out to more people, then they need to know how to communicate.
Polish their active listening skills, how to pause and think before responding.
And to express their ideas clearly, whether when speaking to others or writing emails.
They also need to work on their body language to give out the right vibes and appear approachable.
Don’t forget to highlight the importance of small talk, which can transition into meaningful discussions. It can lead to new friendships and maybe even resolve misunderstandings.
3. Building Confidence
Work on building their confidence with regular practice to help them overcome shyness and social anxiety.
Guide them to prepare a few conversation starters and questions before meeting new people. They will no longer be tongue-tied or wondering what to talk about. This helps get over the anxiety of new encounters.
Work on building a positive self-image. It makes them look confident and self-assured.
The secret to building confidence? Practice, preparation and patience.
4. Online Networking Etiquette
It’s an invaluable asset to know how to conduct themselves online.
When connecting online with like-minded peers or professionals, they must know how to make polite and concise connections, or send appropriate messages or requests.
No over the top, loud, aggressive or back slapping introductions; it’s not the school cafeteria.
During video calls, maintain eye contact and show interest.
It’s time to begin their professional journey. These online interactions can open doors to endless opportunities.
5. Creating a Personal Brand
Educate them about identifying their strengths, interests and goals to consistently build their online presence.
Show them how to use the social media for professional requirements. Create a separate professional account, if needed, for the various platforms like Instagram or LinkedIn or personal blogs so that they can showcase their talents and passions.
Assist them to create –
- a professional profile with a recent photo,
- a Bio highlighting their goals, and
- a portfolio of their work and achievements.
Building a strong personal brand helps others to understand what your child stands for while also building their credibility.
6. Developing Empathy and Emotional Intelligence
Getting offline is different from meeting someone in person.
Show them how to be patient and respectful during interactions. They shouldn’t expect instant responses from everyone.
They will be exposed to various perspectives and views. It’s ok if they don’t agree with them but they’ve to be empathetic and respectful.
Show them how they can be helpful and offer support whenever it’s possible without expecting immediate results.
7. Expanding Their Circle
Encourage them to attend workshops, school events, or even community events to meet new people.
Meeting people across different interests and age groups will help them to broaden their minds and widen their connections.
It’s nice to maintain ties with existing friends and acquaintances; their experience and connections can be informative and useful.
8. Asking for Help (the Right Way)
Never hesitate to ask for help.
If they need any advice or support, they must not feel shy or hesitant to ask. But do it by making polite requests and not demanding it.
Be grateful for the assistance offered. Don’t forget to follow up to show appreciation or share the outcomes.
This helps strengthens relationships and teaches humility.
9. Following Up and Staying Connected
Follow up is essential for building relationships. It’s a good way to stay connected.
Occasional check-ins or updates, sharing useful resources or opportunities, builds their network.
It also shows them in a positive light. Instead of looking selfish, the regular communication ensures the connection doesn’t fade away in time.
Networking isn’t just about who you know, it’s about who knows you and what you stand for.
Final Thoughts
Whether you like it or not, it’s how things are going to be. Your children are going online to inhabit a digital world.
It’s important that you help them build on their skills so they have the edge over their peers. It’s like preparing well for the exams by doing extra practice papers. The more they practice, the more confident they will be.
Work on one skill at a time to avoid overwhelming them with too much information.
Guide them towards developing healthy, safe and productive habits.
Once they get a hang of these basic skills, they will be able to connect effectively with others, creating their own support system.
After all networking is like planting seeds – you nurture the relationship over time, and eventually, it blossoms into opportunity.
