How to network if you dont know anyone in your industry

How to network if you dont know anyone in your industryHow to network if you dont know anyone in your industryTheres so much advice out there about how to network better, but what happens if you want to switch industries entirely? How can you segue to a new professional space if you dont know anyone in your desired industry?Addie Swartz, CEO of reacHIRE, a company that provides resources to young women to grow in their careers and support to returners to successfully re-enter the workforce, offered some easy to implement tips on networking outside of your comfort zone.Follow Ladders on FlipboardFollow Ladders magazines on Flipboard covering Happiness, Productivity, Job Satisfaction, Neuroscience, and moraLook under every rockSwartz says to start by asking everyone in your own network if they know someone in a particular industry that sounds appealing to you.By tapping into your existing network, you might find a lead or connection that can help you to the next level.You never know wh en someone you already know may introduce you to someone who can help direct you to contacts in a different industry, Swartz said. This has happened to me over and over again.And try to be open-minded about contacts and their connections and explore a bit every now and again just a bit to see what opportunity might be connected to that introduction.Present your professional selfShow up like you mean it. According to Swartz, that includes dressing appropriately, leaving your cell phone turned off and showing appreciation for the time spent with you.And when youre done? A thank you goes a long way when someone is taking time to help you and your career. Dont forget to send a written thank you to anyone that takes the time to meet with you, Swartz added.Prepare, prepare, prepareDont phone in your appearance, Always show up fully prepared. This may mean doing your research for a meeting with someone who can share experiences of a new industry for you, or showing up for a networking vera nstaltung, Swartz says.And while youre at it, Be sure to spend time on social media getting further information on the company or the topic, through LinkedIn, Twitter or Facebook to get a pulse of the company or the current conversation taking place in the industry.The time spent in preparation will do much to help you in your networking efforts.Positive self-talkEven after years of speaking to audiences of thousands or presenting to her board or even to groups of investors, Swartz always says to herself, youre going to kill it.She believes that this positive self-talk will do much to reassure yourself to know how well youre going to do at a networking event or even a one on one meeting. Sometimes we just need to redirect our nervous energy and thoughts in a positive direction.Its also a good way to make yourself comfortable with a familiar pep talk before heading into an unfamiliar situation.Remember where you came fromWhen youre about to walk into a situation where you dont feel y our confident self, its helpful to have a powerful perspective to share, Swartz said. In other words, you want to share a brief story on your background, experience or perspective which powerfully addresses why you are showing up as a confident professional.Can you share an experience in which you achieved success or recognition, letting everyone know you are a confident professional? Think of a past win or accomplishment and remember how good it felt to succeed, how effortlessly you were able to accomplish your goals, and how you have everything within you necessary to do it all over againTo take that to another level, just because a situation or career path is new to you, doesnt mean the skills needed to succeed are new or foreign to you. Remind yourself of past wins, great relationships, and career highlights and try to bring that into the present.And here are a few more tips to help you outBriefly step outside of your comfort zoneIf youve ever traveled to a conference youve prob ably noticed that there were several conferences going on simultaneously at your hotel or conference center.I always try to give myself an exercise where I mingle on the periphery of a gathering of strangers in a strange industry. Sometimes I actually strike up a meaningful conversation other times I strike out completely.The point is that I put myself into an unexpected headspace and see where I can go with it.Order something else to eatMaybe youre in a professional rut. Hey It happens. One very easy exercise to try is ordering something totally different the next time youre at your favorite restaurant.It doesnt have to be something shocking or drastic, but something that reminds you that you can make small changes that ease your way into bigger ones.You might also enjoyNew neuroscience reveals 4 rituals that will make you happyStrangers know your social class in the first seven words you say, study finds10 lessons from Benjamin Franklins daily schedule that will ersatzdarsteller y our productivityThe worst mistakes you can make in an interview, according to 12 CEOs10 habits of mentally strong people