New job? Take enough time to get acclimated but start early to build a network of company contacts.
At a firm with only a dozen employees, it is easy to meet everyone at once and get a quick read on company culture. At larger firms, networking is essential to gain a greater understanding, not only of culture, but also the business as a whole.
Many large companies have onboarding events and these are excellent opportunities to meet fellow newcomers and veterans alike.
But after the meet-and-greet is over, most people can benefit from knowing a wider group of people within a company.
It's not about office politics — or it shouldn't be, according to SkillSource founder Jennifer V Miller. Knowing a wide group within a large company can add value if you are willing to lend a hand where necessary.
Lunch dates are useful for meeting people. Ask peers to invite people from different departments.
Stay in touch with promotions and awards in the companies. Drop an email of congratulations, even if you don't know the person well.
When you do meet new people, encourage them to do a short infomercial on their roles.
Rick Good spent ten years in the newspaper business, including with The News & Observer (Raleigh, NC) and The Greenville News (Greenville, SC). He co-wrote, with Melinda Coleman, Rutledge to Riley: Governors of South Carolina, 1776–Present (Published by The Greenville News), and is the author of Mind Games Trivia #1 (Amazon). He has recently spent 15 years creating original trivia content through Sounds Good Mobile Entertainment and continues that with his new company, SGME Software. He edits The Smart Reader’s money, real estate, and business coverage.