Growing your network can be a valuable asset in both personal and professional endeavors. Building a strong network allows you to establish connections, access new opportunities, and gain knowledge and support from a diverse group of individuals. Networking means you may have to step out of your comfort zone in order to reap the benefits. Below are some simple yet effective strategies to help you grow your network!
#1 Attend Networking Events
As you are trying to figure out what networking events to attend, be mindful if they are relevant to your goal. Look for industry-specific conferences, seminars, workshops, and social gatherings where you can meet like-minded individuals. Engage in conversations, exchange contact information, and follow up with the people you meet. Some people may be intimidated by this process, but it’s all about having a growth mindset. If you step out of your comfort zone and try something different you will find new avenues to grow as a professional. Sometimes all it takes is being in a new environment and a little self confidence!
#2 Join Professional Organizations
Become a member of relevant professional associations and organizations in your field. For example, I am in the field of Human Resources and I am a member of the Society for Human Resources Management. They provide updated information, new trends, insider information, and an avenue to connect. Attend their events, participate in discussions, and take advantage of networking opportunities provided by these groups. Sometimes you may need to pay to be apart of these professional organizations, but if it could help advance your skills and your career wouldn’t it be worth it? There are also plenty of free ones out there and that is where social media can come into play.
#3 Utilize Social Media
Platforms like LinkedIn, Twitter, and Facebook can be powerful tools for expanding your network. Connect with professionals in your industry, join relevant groups, and actively engage in conversations by commenting, sharing insights, and offering help. Some have been saying that LinkedIn is no longer relevant, but that is not the case. Its not relevant as a personal page like Facebook, because that is not what it was intended for. This platform is for professionals to network, take advantage of this tool. Always remember to keep it professional and business related.
#4 Volunteer in Community Activities
Participate in community or charitable events, volunteer your skills, or join local clubs and organizations. These activities provide opportunities to meet new people with similar interests and values. The more people you meet the more opportunities could come your way. It’s simple math. So if you volunteer for organizations that you have a passion for, who is to say that you cannot make that into a career somehow. That is how you learn about potential opportunities that have not been announced yet or offer a great place for creativity in starting something new.
#5 Attend Workshops & Seminars
Enhance your skills and knowledge by attending workshops, seminars, and industry-specific training programs. Again you are surrounded by like minded individuals that likely have similar goals and passions as you. You can also use this opportunity to advance your skillset. If you are interested in speaking at a seminar or seeking a speaker for any up and coming events I encourage your to check out Innovation Women! This is an all women speaker focused platform, ensuring more women are being heard. I am a member myself! These events often attract professionals who are eager to learn and connect.
#6 Maintain Existing Relationships
Strengthen your existing connections by staying in touch with colleagues, classmates, former coworkers, and mentors. Regularly reach out to them, schedule catch-up meetings, and find ways to support each other’s goals. The more you are in the forefront of their minds, you will likely be a first thought should an opportunity arise. Its ok to ask your current network if they know of any opportunities and to keep you in the loop. This again is great to utilize LinkedIn for this. You can follow their careers, comment, celebrate, and encourage those in your current network. Use all your resources.
#7 Offer Value & Help
To grow your network, its not just about what you can gain but also about what you can contribute. Be proactive in offering assistance, sharing resources, and providing value to others. This can help you build meaningful relationships and establish yourself as a valuable connection. Part of creating that valuable connection is to listen to the others needs. You need to actually hear what someone else is saying to be know how to be helpful. This is a perfect opportunity to practice your active listening skills as well. Being helpful is always remembered. You will be kept in mind for the future and doesn’t it just make you feel good!
#8 Seek Mentors & Advisors
Look for experienced professionals who can guide you and offer insights in your industry. Having mentors and advisors can provide you with valuable perspectives and open doors to new opportunities. Remember they didn’t get to where they are on their own and neither will you. We all stand on the backs of those before us, its how it works. So take advantage of their years of experience and knowledge and use it to your advantage. We have all been in a tough spot and sometimes just need someone to nudge us one way or the other. Again use all of your resources.
#9 Attend Industry Conferences & Trade Shows
These events gather professionals and experts from various companies and organizations within your industry. Use this opportunity to network, attend presentations, and engage in conversations with industry leaders. This is similar to attending workshops and seminars but can be much more specific to what you are interested in. Say you are in health care and you attend seminars in that field, but you are interested in the technology aspect of health care. You can niche down your interest and give you more opportunities to connect with like minded people.
#10 Leverage Your Existing Network
Don’t forget to tap into the connections of your current network. This can be done by asking for introductions to individuals who can help you expand your reach or provide valuable insights. This can also be a perfect opportunity to practice your ‘Tell Me About Yourself’ answer that is asked in every interview as well. It will be important to utilize your soft skills during the networking process to demonstrate your capabilities, so your network will want to recommend and connect you. Nobody wants to be responsible for a bad introduction, so be mindful leveraging your existing network. Its called guilty by association. If you do something unprofessional, that now has an impact on that person in your network that recommended you. So it’s a big responsibility to ensure you maintain your professionalism, as it’s not just your reputation on the line.
Final Thoughts
Remember, to grow your network it is an ongoing process that requires effort and consistency. Building genuine relationships and providing value to others should be at the core of your networking approach. As you move through this process, take advantage of the opportunities to grow. They may not all pan out, but one day you will look back and thank yourself for taking these steps and achieving your goals! If you don’t have anyone to start networking with, start with me!
