Whether you’re a recent grad or a seasoned professional, having an expansive and strong professional network is an invaluable asset. A well-maintained network of contacts can open doors for you in your career, help you find new job opportunities, and give you the support and advice that only comes with having a group of trusted peers. Here’s how to grow your network in four easy ways.
Start With Who You Know
Start by reaching out to those who already know you. This can include family, friends, and past colleagues. Ask them if there are any connections they can refer you to that may be beneficial for your career growth. If you’re looking for specific contacts, like potential employers or industry experts, ask if anyone in their network could help connect you with those contacts.
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Join Professional Organizations
Professional organizations are a great way to meet like-minded people in your field, learn more about the industry, gain access to exclusive resources, and even attend networking events. Many professional organizations offer membership at various levels so do some research to find out which one is right for you. Once you join, take advantage of all the organization has to offer by being active in meetings and participating in discussions on social media platforms within the organization. This will help build relationships with other members quickly.
Connect Online
Social media networks such as LinkedIn are an effective way to connect with professionals around the world who share similar interests. Join industry specific groups on these networks, follow influencers in your field, and comment on their posts. You can also create content related to your field or share news articles that interest you – this will draw attention to your profile, which could then lead to new connections.
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Attend Events
Events like conferences, workshops, seminars and networking events are another great way to meet potential contacts face-to-face. Attend high-profile events or smaller ones where there will be fewer people present—whichever works best for you—and don’t forget to bring business cards! If there’s someone at the event whom you would like to stay connected with afterwards but don’t have time for meaningful conversation during the event itself, suggest meeting up after it ends (or exchanging contact details over email). This way, you can help guarantee that the relationship can continue beyond the event itself.
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Growing your professional network is essential if you want to succeed professionally. There are many ways that you can go about building your network—whether it’s through joining professional organizations or attending networking events—but it all starts with taking the initiative and putting yourself out there! With a bit of effort and dedication, soon enough you’ll be able to expand your professional reach beyond what you ever thought possible!
