What tips are recommended for building a professional network of contacts?
Building a network is one of the most important things you can do to advance your career. Many people don't know how to go about it, but networking isn't quite as complicated as it sounds. Even if you are just starting out, you are already part of a network. The next step is to learn how to expand, maintain, and use it effectively. Show
What Is a Professional Network?A professional network is a group of people who have connected with one another for career or business-related reasons. Members, who are called contacts or connections, can share information which may include, but is not limited to, job leads. They may also help one another solve work-related problems, recommend vendors and suppliers, and provide information about prospective employers, employees, and clients. How Can Networking Help With Career Advancement?While a professional network can, of course, help you find leads when you are job searching, there is a multitude of other ways a solid one can help advance your career. Here are just a few of them:
Who Should Be In Your Network?Your network can be made up of almost anyone you've ever met, as long as he or she is of good character. Guilt by association is a real thing so avoid having your reputation tarnished by someone else's actions. Each of your contacts can lead to new ones. Here are some suggestions:
Keep Your Network AliveDon't treat your network like a dusty old reference book to store on a shelf and only access when you need to look something up. It is a living thing that must be tended or it will die. The last thing you want is to get in touch with someone who doesn't remember you or to miss out on a great opportunity because your contact who knows about it doesn't think of you. Make plans to get together with any connections with whom you have, or had, a personal relationship, for example, former coworkers. If they aren't local, make sure there's a standing invitation to meet up with them if they are ever in your city or you are in there's. Get in touch a few times a year. The holidays are the perfect time to send a card or email. Also reach out when you make a change such as starting a new job or getting a promotion. Don't Let Shyness Stop You From ConnectingThose who struggle with shyness are in danger of missing out on the benefits of professional networking. For many people, it is not easy to reach out to others. Thankfully, resources like LinkedIn and Facebook give you the opportunity to make connections without ever having to pick up the phone or go to a networking event. These tools are a must for everyone, but particularly useful for shy, or even not very outgoing individuals. If you are shy, it is also helpful to look for situations in which you feel the most comfortable and use those opportunities to form relationships. For example, participate in an activity you enjoy and you will meet others who also enjoy it. Doing volunteer work will also give you a chance to meet people with whom you have something in common. What is a good way to build network contacts?7 Ways To Build A Good Contact Network. Meet the right people. It goes without saying that you need to meet the right people. ... . Contact all your potential referral connections. ... . Eat, Sleep, Connect. ... . Make sure you are building a diverse network. ... . Prioritize key contacts.. Remember to stay in touch. ... . Small gestures are always good.. How can you ensure to build a professional network?Online or in person, there are several ways to build your network.. Share content – Write a LinkedIn article or blog. ... . Reach out to interesting people – Don't connect with people for the sake of it. ... . Keep it casual – Catch up with friends or reconnect with former colleagues.. What are the top 5 tips for networking?10 tips for amazing business networking. Have a strategy. Think about what you want to achieve: ... . Pitch perfect. ... . Get out of your comfort zone. ... . Keep attending. ... . Listen. ... . Follow up. ... . Make referrals or introductions. ... . Measure.. What is the most important quality to build professional network?Among all of the networking skills you can develop, the two most important, by far, are listening and asking questions. 2 These two skills will impress new contacts and potential clients even more than your best business statistics. Good listening validates the value of others and shows respect.
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