If you’re hoping to build a professional network from scratch, it’s important to start by developing a strong online presence. In this post, we’ll suggest some simple steps to help you do just that:
Build a professional online presence.
- Build a professional online presence. A LinkedIn profile, Twitter account and Facebook page are all great ways to begin building your network on the internet. If you have time and money, consider creating a blog or website as well.
Connect with the right people.
- Connect with the right people.
- Know the difference between a connection and a relationship.
- Don’t be afraid to ask for help (and don’t be afraid to say no).
- Don’t be afraid to let people know you are looking for opportunities, even if they aren’t directly related to your current role or industry
Identify key players in your industry.
The first step to building a network is identifying key players in your industry. These are the people who have a track record of success and have built up an impressive network of contacts over time.
- Look for influential bloggers, speakers and authors who are respected by their peers (e.g., Seth Godin)
- Look for thought leaders who speak at conferences or host webinars regularly (e.g., Ramit Sethi)
- Look for people who have written books on specific topics that are relevant to yours (e.g., Michael Hyatt)
Make networking a priority.
- Make networking a priority.
- Make time to network.
- Create a networking plan and stick with it!
- Be proactive about your career, not reactive. The more you put yourself out there and make connections, the more opportunities will come your way because people will know who you are and what value you can bring them (and vice versa).
- Be authentic in all of your interactions–don’t fake it until you make it! Being genuine is much more valuable than trying to be someone else just because they have more experience or stature in the industry/field than you do at this point in time (which will happen anyway if we’re being honest).
- Open yourself up to new opportunities; don’t limit yourself because things haven’t gone according to plan yet–this is why having a plan is so important: if something doesn’t work out exactly as intended then there’s always another option available instead of getting stuck feeling sorry for yourself or giving up entirely because things didn’t go exactly how YOU wanted them too when really this could just mean that now would be better suited than later when everything comes together perfectly on its own terms anyway 🙂
You don’t have to wait for opportunities to come to you; you can make them happen yourself.
You don’t have to wait for opportunities to come to you; you can make them happen yourself.
- Make an effort to meet people. Don’t just be comfortable with the people in your immediate surroundings, but also reach out and try meeting new people. If there’s someone in your company or industry who seems interesting and like they could be a good connection, go out of your way to introduce yourself!
- Don’t wait for them to come up with something cool before asking them if they’d like some help with it. If there’s something that sounds interesting coming up at work (or even outside of work), ask if there’s anything else that needs doing around here–and then offer your services! The worst thing someone can say is no thanks or maybe later; at least then it leaves open the possibility that there will be another opportunity down the road where you can help again!
- Ask for business cards from everyone whose name comes up during conversation; write down where they work and how long they’ve been there so you’ll remember later when it comes time for introductions during networking events or meetings later down the road… which brings us back full circle: Don’t forget those introductions either!
With the right mindset and some hard work, you can build a network from scratch. Networking is not just about getting your name out there or making connections–it’s about building relationships with people who will help you achieve your goals. When it comes down to it, relationships are what matter most in business (and life). So if you want more success, then start reaching out!
