- Building a professional network can support your career development goals.
- When starting from scratch, consider how your personal relationships can help you find people in your industry.
- To grow your network, consider local networking opportunities and sharing thought leadership on social media.
Table of Contents
There is more than one way to build a professional network. Whether you are starting from scratch or already have some connections, you can always benefit from continued network development. While resume-building is still an essential aspect of career growth, building a strong network can help you get your resume in front of the right audience. A well-developed network also opens doors to mentorship, new opportunities and insights you might not find on your own.
Professional Networking Defined
A network is a system of interconnected relationships usually centered around something the members have in common. Professional networking applies this idea to your career by helping you build relationships that support your goals and growth. Networks can take many forms, and each comes with its own set of benefits. Social media, for example, allows you to stay connected with your personal community online. If you are a college graduate, you may also belong to your alma mater’s alumni network. These types of communities are great places to start building your professional network.
Your career connections can be shaped by your industry, niche, role, career goals or workplace. Each of these offers unique benefits. If you are looking to advance in your career, connecting with professionals in your industry may help you identify mentors. If you want to strengthen specific skills, finding people who possess them can support that growth.
How To Network From Scratch
Even when you are beginning to build your professional network, you may have more connections than you think.
First, start by mapping the relationships you already have:
- Personal contacts. Share your professional goals with friends, family and acquaintances who may introduce you to people in their circles.
- School and work connections. Classmates, professors and supervisors can be valuable sources of information and referrals.
- Activity-based relationships. People you know through clubs, sports or arts groups may be connected to industries you want to explore.
- Digital connections. Review your social media accounts for professional contacts you may have overlooked. Platforms like LinkedIn also help you identify people who engage with your interests.
- Local community networks. Community leaders, neighborhood associations and local nonprofits commonly welcome opportunities to support members who want to grow.
After creating your list, categorize them based on how well you know them and how they may relate to your industry. Stay in regular communication, learn about their interests and be clear about your intention to build stronger professional relationships.
How To Grow Your Network
Even after your initial network is established, it is important to continue expanding it so you have support throughout your career. Here are some tips for growing your network over time:
- Join a professional networking group. Many local, national and international organizations offer ongoing opportunities to meet people in your field.
- Engage your local chamber of commerce. Chambers host events and programs that connect professionals within the same geographic area.
- Get in touch with your alumni network. Colleges offer events that bring graduates together and encourage new relationships.
- Volunteer with nonprofits. Contributing your time introduces you to people who value community service and may work in a range of industries.
- Participate in community activities. Sports leagues, arts programming and community classes encourage collaboration and help you connect with others.
- Join discussion groups. Book clubs and industry-related online forums encourage conversation that can lead to meaningful connections.
- Share thought leadership. Publishing insights or participating in panels helps you establish credibility and attract people who share your interests.
Growing your network over time ensures that you have people you can rely on during the ups and downs of your career. Making connections beyond the workplace can also provide new perspectives that can support your personal and professional development.
How To Align Your Network With Your Career Goals
Once you have a professional network, you can leverage those relationships to create new career opportunities. There are a few things you should consider when aligning your network with your career goals.
- Avoid transactional relationships. Even though you intend to grow in your career, you do not want your relationships to be based only on what they can do for you.
- Be generous with your time and contacts. Before you leverage your network for your own benefit, make sure you have offered support to others. Providing referrals or introductions before you need help shows your commitment as a contact.
- Find a mentor or mentee. Mentorship helps both individuals learn about themselves, their industry and how to grow professionally.
- Engage with leaders in your organization. Build relationships within your workplace and take opportunities to learn from leaders who can help you position yourself for success.
- Make connections in the field you want to enter. If you are considering a career change or pivot, seek out people who work in the field and learn from their experience.
If your career goal is to grow, pivot or change careers entirely, your network can provide you with support, information and references. It is also gratifying to be able to connect people in your network with one another. Showing your value can help you position yourself for leadership positions in the future.
Stay up to date with the latest from Robert F. Smith and the importance of professional networking by following him on YouTube and LinkedIn.
