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W O R K F O R M E / S P R I N G 2 0 2 1 24 Y ou are ready to begin a career. But how do you begin the journey? Almost al- ways, the first step involves a connection to someone who is willing to give you a chance. They see a spark in you. An interest. Maybe an image of themselves when they were your age. Always it involves a network. So, the question is, How do I learn how to create a network that will help me succeed on my career journey by connecting me to those who might hire or help me? Here are 5 skills that you should have to build a great network: 1. Face to face, in- person connections are always important How you look, speak, listen, and ask questions. How you relate to others in the real world will be the most important factor. Virtual may be easy, but in-person is more powerful. Rarely is a hiring decision made without some level of in-person meeting. In this world, how you dress and how you groom has impact. Know what people in that vocation look like and dress like and dress and groom just a tiny notch better. 2. An online presence helps Create a LinkedIn profile, even if you are still a stu- dent. Again, a clean picture and a quick summary of what you have done and know how to do and what you would like to do. Look at the LinkedIn profiles of some people you might know and you will get the idea. Subscribe to interest groups on LinkedIn and connect with others. Many companies use services to scour LinkedIn profiles to find people to speak with. Not a substitute for the face to face, but it will help to get you in a door. 3. Learn to speak with confidence and with correct grammar The ability to communicate effectively is a skill that has to be developed. Talk to any executive and B Y G E O R G E C A S E Y Kick start your career with 5 networking skills H o w t o Gain access to unlimited articles & lists for download Access to print and digital editions, website content, email newsletters, and downloadable business lists, plus events discounts! MAINEBIZ.BIZ/PRINTSUB Become a premium member of Mainebiz today to receive unlimited access! IN WESTBROOK, WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT IS A TOP PRIORITY OUR CIT Y HAS LAUNCHED MAINEʼS FIRST BUSINESS RETENTION & EXPANSION PROGRAM A CLEARER PICTURE OF THE NUMBER AND T YPES OF BUSINESSES OPERATING IN OUR COMMUNIT Y; THE WORKFORCE NEEDS OF OUR LOCAL BUSINESSES; COMPANIES THAT QUALIFY FOR CERTAIN BUSINESS INCENTIVES AND ASSISTANCE PROGRAMS; AND RECOGNIZE ANY CHALLENGES THAT ARE THRE THREATENING OUR LOCAL BUSINESSES; AND AN OPEN DIALOGUE BET WEEN OUR BUSINESSES AND LOCAL, STATE, AND FEDERAL GOVERNMENTS. CREATE ANTICIPATE IDENTIFY GAUGE DEVELOP OUR BUSINESS CONNECTION SURVEYS, AND ON-SITE VISITS WILL: westbrookmaine.com/bre George E. Casey, Jr., president and CEO of Stockbridge Associates LLC, can be reached at gcasey@stockbridgeassoc.com