I know when you're in college, the idea behind networking is just to show enthusiasm. And I don't think I've seen a definitive post on networking past that stage. So for those bankers building a book, the ambitious ones making career jumps and industry changes, for the person who has continued the cold calling/LinkedIn/staying in touch with your networks, what is the strategy, what's the goal, what's the way to success?
Networking in college is usually something like this:
Reach out to alumni with a similar path
If no alumni, try friends and friend of friends. If that fails, start cold calling
You have nothing to offer, you just want to help, show enthusiasm for the position and the company
Close the deal by staying in touch/persistence
Prosper
But, once you're out of school, do alumni still matter?
Should you really rely your peers once you already have a job, people that you know, and talk about switching to their company or industry?
Technically, at this point, you are well into adulthood and should be able to manage things on your own--there is probably less leeway given to you for not being where you want to be.
And what about topic of conversation? Everyone at this point is pretty much expecting what their futures will look like. Does "showing enthusiasm" even work. You're not a green college kid anymore. I feel like you should act like an adult.
So, what if anything do you offer to those you're networking with?
To be honest, I've simply taken "networking" after undergrad to mean becoming better connected with your network in your city. This involves two things: creating deeper relationships with those you are already connected with, and then fostering new relationships (be it organically or through introductions from your existing network.) Very simple I know, but effective.
When in college, networking is a muscle you have the time and energy to flex more than when you're working full time. After school, time spent on networking has to be much more efficient. Be disciplined about how much and when you network. For example, I try and set aside one night a week for dinner/drinks with people in my network. I also look to schedule one breakfast/coffee a week with a new or new-ish individual in my network. Those two windows of time, over the course of the year, can make your network blossom. It comes down to you being able to set aside the time and quarter-backing the plans.
In terms of what you're offering... I don't think there's a specific answer. Each individual in your network is different. Don't waste their time, but being a familiar face that is enjoyable to be around goes a long way. A relatively quick read with great insight into post-grad networking is "Never Eat Alone" by Keith Ferrazzi...
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