The first thing I want to say about building a professional network is this is NOT just for when you are looking for a new job. In fact, if you spend regular time cultivating your professional network, you may not need to ever look for a new job – opportunities will come to you.
The problem most people run into relative to cultivating a professional network is TIME. Specifically, they don’t prioritize networking, so it gets shoved to the back burner (or behind the stove altogether).
#1 – Have a Goal for Your Networking.
You may be looking for career opportunities, looking for a mentor, wanting to get clients, or seeking out collaborators. Determine your WHY – this will inform the types of networking you choose to engage in.
#2 – Investigate the Possibilities.
As for networking events, look to your local Chamber of Commerce, professional associations, service clubs, industry conferences, workshops, and seminars. Be willing to give a group at least two tries before deciding if it will be a viable networking venue for you.
There are also events where networking is possible – as I define it, places where the music’s not too loud and the people aren’t too drunk. Think broadly here – I like sites like Facebook’s Events tab, Meetup, and events at your place of worship.
There’s also 1:1 networking, so identify individuals that could support your goals. These could include colleagues or former colleagues, alumni from your university, industry professionals, or thought leaders in your field.
Be sure to follow up with contacts afterwards, utilizing LinkedIn.
#3 – Join Professional Organizations.
Some of the events you attend from idea #2 may turn out to be great fits for you, so join and get involved. Seek out committees or roles that speak to your passions and strengths.
#4 – Make Sure Your Networking is an Equal Exchange of Energy.
Networking should be a two-way street. Be willing to offer assistance, advice, or support to your contacts – this builds goodwill and strengthens your relationships. Above all, follow through on what you say you will do for someone – gain that all-important reputation as someone who does what they say they will do.
#5 – Keep Your Online Presence Professional.
Regularly update your LinkedIn profile, engage in meaningful discussions, and showcase your achievements and projects. You don’t ever want to be embarrassed by your online presence.
#6 – Don’t Let LinkedIn Be the Place Your Connections Go to Die.
After meeting someone new, follow up with a personalized message. After someone has accepted your invitation to connect, begin cultivating a relationship. Try periodically sharing updates, articles, or just checking in with them to see how they’re doing.
I recommend setting aside time each week specifically for LinkedIn networking – for me, it’s 15 minutes twice each week.
What do I do during this time?
-Respond to messages
-Accept invitations to connect
-Say “hello” to new connections
-Send wishes for birthdays, promotions, new jobs, work anniversaries
-5-word responses to people’s posts
Here are some additional things you might use this time for:
-Seeking out people to connect with
-Periodically checking in with existing connections – have a strategy for this, as this is definitely a long game
This time should NOT be spent looking for jobs or applying to jobs – that isn’t networking.
Based on my first suggestion, once you have a goal for WHY you are networking, next decide how much time you can consistently give to networking. Key word here is CONSISTENCY.
For example:
1 group networking event per month
1, 1:1 networking meeting per month
30 minutes per week networking on LinkedIn
This is going to equal about 5.5-6 hours per month.
Another example:
1 event where I can network each week
15 minutes a day networking on LinkedIn
This is going to equal about 7.5 hours per month.
As you can see, this can be done effectively without taking too much of your time. This is Quadrant Two activity – Important/Not Urgent.
Quadrant Two activities, according to Steven Covey, result in better balance, more control, fewer crises, greater vision and perspective, and more discipline. Sounds good, right?
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