Networking

Networking is very powerful, like the saying goes, “Your network is your net worth.”

A few benefits of networking include:

• Meeting smart people
• Learning new skills
• Making life-long friends

Someone’s network can take them a lot of time and energy to build. 

Building a wide and open network can open many opportunities you didn’t know existed.

Basically networking is a skill young and old people need. 

In this article we will learn different ways to network.

Let’s dive right in.

Making Business Connections

Be helpful

When it comes to networking, start by being helpful:

• Aim to help 10 people a month
• Increase the number of people you reach out to help
• Increase the value you offer them

As you go through this process, the quality of people you interact with will also increase.

Still stuck on where to start? Do the following:

• List people you can help in your immediate network
• Get used to helping people
• Expand your network every week

Be patient and you will see long term results.

Eventbrite roulette

Sticking to the same interests and habits, gives you the exact same results.

Instead, play Eventbrite Roulette:

• Search upcoming events in your area
• Pick the third event on the search page

Alternatively:

• Look up events board at your local library
• Pick an event that take you out of your comfort zone

Make sure to enjoy the new experience and aim to make five new contacts. 

Even attending an event you normally wouldn’t will open your eyes, build new habits and connections.

Because trying something new is better than not trying anything at all.

Reshuffle social networks

Your network on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook and LinkedIn, is most likely from:

• Previous jobs
• Schools attended
• Places you’ve lived

With that being said, think about this, your social networks affect the content you consume and share regularly.

This results in your network keeping you virtually closed in.

Instead, follow ten new people on Twitter and LinkedIn.

And I don’t mean people suggested by the algorithms, pick people experts in new topics.

Simply following these people introduces you to something new and people worth learning from.

Strengthen weak points

Your best friend is less likely to refer you to your next job compared to:

• An old classmate
• Neighbour
• Friend of a friend

So, reach out weekly to people you’ve lost contact with over the last six months or more.

Instead of simply saying hello leading to transactional emails.

Ask them if they have read or listened to something interesting recently.

This is a more friendly approach and not as boring. 

Use new event networking strategies

Don’t spend your time at events with people you already know. 

Instead you should:

• Meet new people
• Learn new things

So you need to make a plan before going to each event.

To do this:

• Search each event and it’s hashtag
• Find interesting people are attending
• Challenge yourself to get to know them

You can even see who is speaking at these events and talk to them before they go on stage.

Or create blog posts of insights about their talks to help spread their message.

Pick a new group

Because people don’t like uncertainty and change.

Planning to go out with people who don’t know each other well won’t work.

Instead:

• Pick something that’s affordable and fun
• Pick a date and time
• Invite five people who haven’t met each other but all know you
• Let them know to have fun and meet someone new

Remember to pick something people wouldn’t usually do on their own.

Trust me, they will be very grateful they came. 

After sending a thank you email to everyone so they can keep in touch.

No fear

Everyone has someone they admire.

Maybe because they are:

• Smart
• Insightful
• Ambitious

The only thing standing in the way of approaching these people is fear or rejection.

Don’t let this stop you from building a large open network.

Instead, make a list of people you want to learn from and find ways to make it happen.

A path less travelled

People only network when other people do.

Like introducing yourself to a speaker after their speech, then messaging them on LinkedIn.

Or congratulating someone when they get a new job.

This won’t help networking because:

• Everyone else does it
• It’s boring
• Its expected

Instead, find one networking idea nobody has tried, get creative when engaging with someone new.

Stand out and get yourself some attention and get noticed.

Make time for networking

Instead of making time for networking to job hunt.

Just do it to connect with new people:

• Take an hour each week to expand your network
• Connect with interesting people your friends know
• Email content authors and ask questions about their work
• Connect with old creative colleagues

Doing this can help:

• Get new ideas
• Get new connections
• With creativity

Sometimes it’s just worth doing something new that scares you and you wouldn’t normally do.

Think like journalists

Like journalists ask people questions on what they are passionate about to learn from them.

It’s better than asking for information about their company or career.

Ask questions about what people love about a topic you want to learn about.

Going off topic is better than talking about weather and politics.

And doing so will even unearth interesting stories and lessons to take away. 

Conclusion

Remember larger and open networks mean more opportunities for:

• Connection
• Career growth
• Creativity
• Collaboration

Don’t put off networking because it’s out of your comfort zone or a waste of time.

Networking can change your career or life.

And remember, it’s never too late to start.

Now it’s over to you.

Tell me how you have built your network and how it’s helped you?

Let me know in the comment section below.