Networking can be defined literally as “working your network of contacts”. Your contact list should consist of entrepreneurs and professionals who have the potential to work together to create and develop business opportunities, share information and search for potential clients.
We must attend the social events and conferences that interest us. After attending there is time allocated to exchanging conversations, networking, contacting and follow-up opportunities for attendees, creating connections which could lead to future clients, friends and business associates or colleagues who may introduce us to our next connection. If you don’t take advantage of this prime opportunity and you stay outside the chat area, you’ll miss out.
These moments of networking are of great value and result in making synergistic professional contacts to open doors and create collaborations for your business.
Use Online Networks to Make Connections
Considering the amount of online content available currently, finding the right network can feel like searching for a “needle-in-a-haystack”. However, tapping into the right network can help focus your search and narrow down the options. When I look for networking groups I look for specific interest categories, what types of individuals are members of the group (you can view their profiles), and what topics they are discussing. Join industry specific groups where the members are talking about topics you find interesting.
We are just as isolated as we choose to be. We live in a time when we can connect to anyone we choose – from any group, any ideology, anywhere in the world. Take advantage of the following platforms to connect with a niche that matches your career objectives.
Four out of five people on LinkedIn “drive business decisions,” according to a report by Hootsuite. That means it is highly likely that the people you connect with on this platform have some pull in their company to advocate for you, if you connect with them effectively. By building an active professional personal brand on LinkedIn, you set yourself apart from the competition, and set yourself up for successful connections.
If you don’t see the group you want to be a part of, then create it. Reach out to others you don’t know but think would be a good fit for the conversations in which your group engages. Be specific about the group’s topics of interest, narrow down your search for potential members by that specific interest, and invite them to discuss some interesting ideas or thought-provoking aspects of your industry. Make it fun and others will be curious.
Meetup
The unique value of Meetup is that it isn’t solely an online service. Its heterogeneous model involves both online interaction and offline participation. You have the ability to sift through groups and pick and choose which ones might fit your interests. Once you elect to join a group, you can start attending their events.
Meetup is also ideal for skill-based professional networking. For example, if you’re learning to code and want to score your first job in the field, try connecting with people in the industry by attending a coding Meetup.
Social Media is the perfect tool to start networking online. From Facebook to LinkedIn, there are some great sites to help build your contacts.
When used correctly, social media has two major benefits:
- You can stay in touch with current connections.
- And you can build new connections with people from all over the world.
- You’re not limited by the people you can meet face-to-face.
When building a professional network through social media it’s always a great idea to set-up a business profile.
Keep this profile separate from your personal profile.
Social media started as a fun way to share experiences with your friends. Now it’s an opportunity to craft a personal professional brand. It has incredible reach, making it essential for online networking.
You need to be intentional about which platforms you use to achieve your specific goals. We’ll break down four of the most popular social media networks to join, and how to optimize them for your career.
Much more than a photo-sharing app, Instagram is a great way to connect with B2C companies and brands.
While “DMs” (direct messages) are infamous for flirtatious comments, you can leverage them for networking. Start by following a brand’s page and getting a sense of what they post. Observe what you think could be improved on their page and drop them a note on your observations. This way you’re adding value, not simply sending them a compliment.
One of the original social media platforms, Facebook’s reach presents a huge opportunity for getting your ideas out there. With 2.7 billion monthly active users on Facebook as of June 2020, it’s a perfect stage for online social networking as well as advertising.
Join relevant Facebook Groups
Facebook groups are like untapped diamond mines…they can be a great place to generate contacts!
The key is to add value to the group. Try not to be spammy; positive engagement is the key. Be authentic. Make constructive comments. Join as many groups as you can that relate to your market or industry. Anything and everything that relates to your business can be content.
Search for groups that have active communities and include people you want to try to engage.
Ideal for instant connection, Twitter gives you the chance to send out tweets and get immediate engagement. One great feature to use is Twitter threads. They allow you to connect one tweet with another to string together a narrative.
Use Your Existing Network to Make New Connections
If you have anyone in your existing network you think would recommend you to other connections – go for it and ask for an introduction.
Make sure you’re specific with the kinds of connections you’re searching for.
Try using a framework that includes:
- I’m looking for connections with ____ expertise.
- Because I can help them with ____.
- Or, I want to inquire about ____.
It never hurts to take initiative and just ask the question. The worst that can happen is receiving a polite “no”. And in 99% of cases that “no” will be followed with, “Because I think this person would be a better fit for the question you’re asking”.
If you don’t have anyone specific to reach out to, try posting a status stating your general request.
Virtual Conferences
Virtual conferences are popping up everywhere, and there are some great ones for every type of market.
Do some research and see if there are any virtual courses or conferences you can attend. These are great places to meet more people in your field, you just need to embrace this new virtual landscape.
The Value of Networking
By prioritizing relationship-building, you can advance your career while helping others do the same. A quick conversation or new connection could be what helps land your next job or encourages you to ask for that promotion. But you will never know unless you introduce yourself and start networking.
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