5. Don't focus only on the highest level contacts
Horizontal contacts are just as valuable as vertical ones. When planning your network, consider your own qualifications and don't aim too high. As a doctoral candidate, it is extremely exhausting and often futile to independently attempt to enter into conversation with an important figure in your field at a conference. Interesting researchers never stand alone but are usually involved in conversations with others. It is better to try and make contacts with other doctoral candidates and postdoctoral researchers, and maybe you will be introduced by a colleague at the conference in the following year.
6. Concentrate on common goals and synergy effects
To successfully cooperate with somebody, you do not need to be great fans of each other or fully agree on your views of the world. Networks are based upon basic sympathies and esteem, but are not to be mistaken for cosy Corners.
7. Work on your communicative and social skills
Networks function based on meeting other people and mutual exchange. The much vaunted emotional intelligence plays an important role here and determines the impression you make on your counterpart. Develop your communicative skills and learn to recognise the subtle differences between various types of conversation and situations. Become sensitive to the needs of others. Talk about yourself and listen carefully when others are telling you something.
8. Learning by doing
This rule is especially important for successful networking. Reading clever books about networking is not enough to develop a good network. Therefore, make use of every opportunity to enter into contact with your colleagues. Become a member of academic societies within your discipline. Attend presentations, conferences and colloquiums. Get involved in bodies and commissions at your university.
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