How to make friends and create an impression

Thanks to the sheer exhaustion of living in a technology-driven, information-overloaded society, it can seem like self-care to hide from the world; however, networking, creating communities, and making lasting impressions are still the foundation for building a solid and promising career. 

Sneha Patel CPA, a former campus recruiter at a Big Four accounting firm, and Werner Harahap CPA, CGA, former Controller at SeisWare International Inc. and Alberta Natural Products, share their insight and tips on how to build your network.

Do the research

Whether building your network online or in person, both Sneha and Werner agree you should harness the power of the internet. “It always helps to have a solid idea of the nature of the networking event you’re planning to attend. Take the time to get a sense of the company or organization that is hosting the event; this will help give you an idea of what you might want to ask,” says Sneha. 

The same can be said on an individual level as well. “Finding people who work at an organization you admire can be helpful too,” Werner adds. “Their profiles and posts might offer valuable touchpoints that you can use to introduce yourself and start a conversation.”

As someone who regularly hosts and attends networking sessions, Sneha knows all the resources one can tap into to find networking events.

“I always try to send any events we’re hosting to the school’s career centre for them to email out and post on their job board,” she says. “LinkedIn is also a great resource—there are always people posting about what their firms or companies are doing. Student clubs often organize virtual, in person, and hybrid events, too.”

Find things in common

Werner spends time perusing a person’s LinkedIn profile to see what commonalities they may share before reaching out—and he always includes a personal message. “I’m always upfront and honest about why I want to connect,” he says. “I’ve found that people want to help and expand their networks, too.”

It may seem daunting, but Werner, who recently crushed his goal of hitting 500 connections on LinkedIn, suggests starting small and in your comfort zone. “Where possible, leverage the network you already have and know,” he says. “Find people who work at companies you’re interested in [who] know people you know. It’s the whole ‘six degrees of separation thing’; it’s amazing how small this world truly is.”

“I found it really intimidating to have conversations with people when I was a student,” Sneha says. “But I learned that normal, everyday questions are great for breaking the ice, like asking someone what they did on the weekend or what they’re binge-watching right now.” 

Sneha still employs these techniques: “That’s how I remember the people I meet—those icebreakers help us find common ground and add to creating a lasting impression.”

Keep in mind building your network doesn’t have to be limited to official networking events either. Having immigrated to Canada from the Netherlands as a teenager, Werner is very passionate about newcomers and the immigrant experience. “I love being a part of anything that involves the greater good. I love volunteering for non-profits and working towards leaving the world in a better place for the next generation,” he says. 

Consider volunteering, playing casual sports, and attending events you’re passionate about to meet like-minded people and make more connections.

Follow up

You’ve made your impression and dazzled others with your brilliance, but you can’t underestimate the importance of a brief follow-up message. “I’m always super appreciative when I receive a quick note of thanks,” Sneha says. “It’s a nice token of appreciation. Just a short, ‘Hey I really enjoyed our conversation. Looking forward to connecting more’ is plenty.”

Likewise, Werner doesn’t shy away from building on that first connection. “If you see them posting something online that you care about, tell them,” he says. “If the thought that you should reach out to someone crosses your mind, then do it. There’s a reason that person entered your mind, right?”

Every connection counts, even if it may not be apparent right away. “Whether you’re in high school or post-secondary, even if you just meet one person and build a relationship with them,” Sneha says. “You never know, down the road, who might know someone who is doing something that aligns with an interest or career path you might want to pursue.”

Networking as an…