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How to regularly maintain my network?
I’m trying to expand my network and trying to figure out ways to do you. Can you easily call on a wide range of people to help you out? If so, how did you go about doing that in the first place? Any and all advice is much appreciated!
Leena Patel
CEO of Sandbox2Boardroom, Innovation Expert
91
12/18/19 at 8:23PM UTC
Scheduling first-time meetings are easier if you reach out to peers. For busy people and people that are senior to you that you don't know, follow the principle "you go first" meaning be the one to add value first (you should be doing this anyway but it's even more critical when they are senior to you). If there is value in them meeting you, they are more likely to agree. Be personable, articulate, and brief in your request and be sure to let them know WIIFT (what's in it for them). GL!
sandmanstone
135
12/17/19 at 2:34PM UTC
Practical suggestions:
Nancy and Michelle are right, your first connections with someone need to be about how you can help them or learn about them.
1) If you work in a big company, and are introduced to someone interesting, invite them for coffee and ask them about their job and their career. Link to them with a personalized note afterwards.
2) Networking events: Look for events in your area - networking events in your area of expertise, presentations, etc.
- Go and strike up conversations with people in the elevator or the parking lot. Sometimes you end up meeting someone going to the same place, and it is easier to go in together.
- Be really nice to the check in people. It gives you a chance to practice your social skills.
- If you overhear someone talking about something interesting, you can say ' do you mind if I listen in, this is so fascinating?' and then join a group in conversation.
- Make eye contact, smile.
3) Coffee dates are your friend. Almost anyone will meet for 30 mins over a coffee. If you have a work challenge you want to solve (like how to best represent a project plan, or how to show that investment is shifting to another area), those are great things to ask someone from another team / company to give you ideas about. Show your appreciation, Link in after with a personalized note, and send a nice thank you. Always ask "Is there anything I can do for you" and then follow through.
4) End of year thank you or holiday cards are a great way to make a connection with folks you haven't seen for a while.
Reply back if you have specific questions, would love to help. Your network is going to be critical to your career and compensation progress. :) You've got this! Christine
Krista Haugner Sieg, MBAFairyGodBoss In Training. D & I Advocate.
741
12/18/19 at 4:14PM UTC
I love this list! I have even been known to do "virtual" coffee dates with my network where you schedule some time to chat on the phone or via Skype just to catch-up. I also enjoy keeping up on industry trends and can't seem to help but take notes, so when meeting someone new or trying to reconnect with someone who I may have lost touch with, I often offer to send my notes on something that may be relevant to them and try to give a one to two sentence synopsis to make it instantly relevant or searchable when they need it later.
Anonymous
12/16/19 at 1:58AM UTC
Social media - I know that some people like to keep theirs private but in some industries it works best to leave it open for business networking too
MelanieHR Leader giving my own two cents to help women.
585
12/15/19 at 9:11PM UTC
I try to keep up with people in my network via calls or text messages. I also send notes via LinkedIn throughout the year just to say hello. Therefore, if I need help with a work project or job search, I’m not a stranger to them. Also, if they reach out, I make sure I help them as well. I generally like people and am very social so I enjoy checking in on colleagues. Some have actually become great friends in the process. Good luck!
Nancy McSharry JensenCEO of The Swing Shift. Badass mother of two.
204
12/15/19 at 2:54PM UTC
Your network is about reciprocal relationships. Agree a professional association or alumni network is efficient; be mindful about offering as well as asking
MichelleSProven Technology Leader
559
12/15/19 at 12:08AM UTC
I've struggled with this over the years. This year I'm making it a priority. Right now I'm finding it easier to remain consistent if I focus on connecting others and lifting others up. When I focus on doing something for someone else - it makes it feel less like "self promotion" and more like "connection"...which is really what I want. More importantly it feels less like a job/chore and more like fun...so I hope to stick with it.
Susan SmoterBurning desire to make the working world better
1.46k
12/14/19 at 8:20PM UTC
Also, you may want to join a professional association - I've found this is very helpful in building a strong network, especially when you work on projects with others.
NataliaContinuously Evolving
706
12/14/19 at 7:20PM UTC
In my experience, I attend many events within my industry & also tap into others. I try to network with people I feel there is a genuine connection with, sometimes we stay in touch, sometimes we don't. But I'd say I probably go to about 2 events a month. Also, surrounding myself more with my friends who have similar dreams as they inspire me & push me to move forward with them.
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