Are you curious about how you can build your network? Find out our top tips below!
Be Connected
Our first tip to build your network is to join in! This may be joining community groups, alumni, professional organisations, volunteering charities, or anything that sparks your intrigue and excitement. Don’t know where to start? Have a hunt through LinkedIn, MeetUp, and Eventbrite. You can also ask mentors, lecturers, or peers for suggestions. Surround yourself with like-minded people and facilitate access to fresh and relevant content to support your growth.
Be Brave
Turn up, even if it scares you. Sign up and join in at industry-specific conferences, expos, networking events and local meetups. Turning up is only the first step, however, and you’ve got to dig deep and talk to people when you are there. Remember that everyone is human just like you, you are not bothering them or being a nuisance, and your passion and insight are valuable. If this feels out of your comfort zone, think ahead of a current and relevant talking point to start a conversation, such as a post you recently saw from an industry leader or something you are looking forward to learning from the event you are at. When all else fails you can always talk about the venue or the weather, a conversation starter is a starter, and you will flow from there.
Be Social
Social media is great for seeing what’s happening and connecting with industry leaders. You can also join relevant groups and engage in discussions. Make sure to engage where you feel confident and comfortable and follow hashtags, people, and organisations that align with your goals and values.
Be Vocal
Your current network is also a tool to help expand your own. This is not to say that Uncle Steve’s boss’s second cousin once removed is the one person who will help land you that dream job, but you never know what connections already exist within your wider network. That’s why it is always important to let everyone in your world know what you are aiming for. That way, when Uncle Steve hears of an event or internship that is of interest, he knows to reach out to you as you are top of mind.
Be Proactive
Make sure you follow up after every connection or interaction. Give the people or speakers you meet a follow on LinkedIn, Twitter, Instagram or all three! You should also reach out with a brief message. The message can be as simple as a ‘It was great to meet you’ or ‘I enjoyed your talk on XYZ’ if you didn’t speak to them directly. If you can, make it personal, and if appropriate, include any follow-up actions or invitations to re-connect. Don’t jump in feet first with the ‘what can you do for me / this is what I want’ type message, remember you are building your network to support you for your whole career not just right here right now.
Be You
Our last tip to build your network involves your personal brand. Your personal brand is important and developing it will take time. A personal brand extends beyond creating a portfolio of work, having a visual style or always using the same template for your social posts, a personal brand also encompasses how you show up, and the lasting impression you leave after a first meet, interview or introduction. It is how you conduct yourself and make people feel, so make sure it’s positive.
Thank you to Hayley, the Senior Marketing Manager at Natilik, for writing this article.
Want to know more? Find more networking tips here.
