How to network with AI

Why is networking so important?

Networking is another name for the personal and professional connections you create and maintain with others. The idea of a networking event may conjure the image of people trying to schmooze their way into new jobs. While these events are still used this way, many of us have become adept at growing our digital networks, too. Whether online or in person, networking is a way to build and maintain connections all around the world, exchange knowledge and ideas, and identify opportunities.

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How to use AI to network

Try these ideas for using generative AI in networking, both online and in person. These networking tips are useful for building a professional network while learning to stay organized and connect with others in a meaningful way.

Prepare

If you’re heading to an event, do some cursory research into the company that’s hosting it and the venue. If you’re hoping to meet people in your industry, preparing an elevator pitch is a good idea. Use AI to find events, hone your pitch, and conduct other research:

• I want to start working in sales. Provide a list of local networking events in the sales industry that I might attend as well as their dates and locations.
• Summarize my resume into one or two talking points that explain where I am in my career. Provide five possible elevator pitches.
• Give me interesting talking points for a networking event for paralegals and incorporate recent events.
• The invitation for this networking event said cocktail attire. Help me understand this dress code.
• I’m going to a networking event for bankers and am looking to break into that industry. Make a list of 10 icebreaker questions.

Have a goal in mind

Determine your reason for attending an event. Are you going because your coworker will be there? Hoping to break into a new industry? Spend time thinking about why you’re going and how it will affect your approach. Use AI to hone your plans for the event:

• The CEO of a company I want to work for will be at a conference. He’s hosting a panel discussion about solar energy. Make a list of questions to ask during the panel that show my knowledge.
• I want to make five meaningful connections at a networking event. How can I achieve this goal?

Follow up

After you’ve exchanged info, make a plan to follow up with AI. Social media has made it easy to stay connected with people we meet at events. When you follow up, you’ll be able to pick their brains about the industry or even ask for help if you’re looking for a job. Use AI to create follow-up notes and more:

• Help me develop a plan to nurture connections I make at a networking event.
• Write a one-paragraph note that says it was nice to meet someone and that I’d like to stay in touch with them about future opportunities in the field.

Remember that everyone feels a little awkward at networking events, and yet everyone is also there to meet people, improve social skills, and make connections. Following up solidifies those connections.

Be online

Similarly, having a strong (work appropriate) online presence is a good idea so that others can learn more about you. Build your website or portfolio with AI:

• Help me design an eye-catching website that will showcase my professional expertise. I need it to be clean and minimalist because I am an architect.
• I need to write a bio for my personal website and for my social media accounts. Using the resume I’ve uploaded, summarize my professional life in a few sentences.

Using generative AI to research companies, prepare your elevator pitch, and come up with talking points is sure to help you make you a memorable connection. Find out other ways AI fosters personal and professional development with these everyday AI tips and tricks.