Many of the best jobs aren’t landed through applications or from being headhunted. Some of the best opportunities are the result of effective networking.

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Networking can advance your career goals

Networking is a skill that every professional should master. Those who develop a strong professional network usually have more successful careers.

Does the idea of networking fill you with dread? Unsure where to begin or don’t yet know many people in your industry? Don’t worry, I’m going to walk you through 10 essential steps to effective professional networking.

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Networking is a relational skill

The importance of networking is ingrained in the fabric of professional success. It’s key to developing both personal and professional connections, particularly in competitive or fast-paced job markets.

Networking enables you to tap into vast pools of expertise and opportunity. It’s the networkers who get called about new job openings. It’s the networkers who hear first about business ventures and investment opportunities.

Trust me when I say a well-developed network is one of the keys to career success anywhere in the world.

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Who should you network with?

So now we’ve discussed the importance of a strong network, how can you get started?

It helps to know exactly who you should be networking with.

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Industry professionals

A great place to start is by connecting with people inside your industry. This might be people in other departments within your own company. But don’t stop there, contact professionals in other organisations who are further ahead in their careers.

Find industry leaders and people from whom you can gain insights and guidance. These are likely to be the people who contact you about job opportunities in the future.

A great way to do this is to attend events for your industry, this might be trade shows, conferences or seminars. Say ‘yes’ to any opportunity that arises, even if the event itself does not sound useful or interesting. Then, once you are at the event, talk to as many people as possible. Aim to make genuine connections by leading with curiosity instead of trying to ‘sell’ yourself.

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Recruiters

Recruiters are essential to a well-developed network. They have unique insights and expertise in the job market and always have their ears to the ground.

Recruiters have their own well-cultivated professional networks. Building good relationships with them enables you to tap into those networks.

This is a surefire way to hear about exclusive job openings before they’re advertised. Recruiters can be invaluable allies in your pursuit of career growth.

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Cross-industry connections

Don’t forget to extend your network outside of your own industry. Network with professionals from diverse sectors to get exposed to different perspectives and unique opportunities.

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Alumni networks

Reach out to fellow alumni from your university or college. This is a great way to meet people who may now be in very different industries or regions. Your shared background makes it easy to build rapport.

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Members of professional and social organisations

People who make the effort to attend organised events are usually open to networking. Strike up conversations and seek out those with more experience in your field or region.

They’ll have a deeper understanding of how things work locally and can help you tap into their established networks.

10 Tips for Building Your Professional Network

These 10 tips will help you begin building your professional network, wherever you are in the world.

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1. Begin with genuine curiosity, not job requests

Don’t begin your networking efforts by asking people for a job, it instantly puts people off.

Instead, express genuine curiosity about the person you’re engaging with.

Ask about their career path, their industry expertise, and the work they do. Take an interest in them as individuals. This will make you memorable.

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2. Invite people for coffee or a chat

Most professionals are open to a casual meeting if you show genuine interest.

Choose a location that’s convenient for them or offer to meet virtually. Work to remove barriers by being flexible with your availability.

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3. Prepare thoughtful questions

Prepare relevant and thoughtful questions in advance before meeting with potential contacts.

Don’t waste people’s time, make sure you get the most from every interaction.

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4. Ask for advice, not help

People are more inclined to share advice than to make immediate promises or commitments.

When networking, focus on seeking advice and guidance. People enjoy sharing their views on topics they’re passionate about. This approach takes the pressure off and makes them more likely to meet you again.

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5. Treat every meeting as an informal interview

Be professional at all times, you never know who you’re speaking with. Always aim to leave a positive impression.

Treat every meeting like an informal interview. Be positive, avoid criticising former employers, and don’t complain about your current situation.

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6. Always ask who else you should be meeting with

Never leave a networking opportunity without asking who else you should connect with.

Imagine if you came away from every coffee meeting with two more introductions, your network would grow exponentially.

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7. Quantity and quality: strike the right balance

It’s great to meet many professionals, but remember to balance quantity with quality.

Building deeper relationships with a select group of people leads to a stronger, more meaningful network.

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8. Use social media

In today’s digital age, social media platforms, especially LinkedIn, are powerful tools for networking.

Join professional groups, engage in discussions, and share insights. Meaningful engagement helps you stand out and stay visible.

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9. Attend industry events and seminars

Wherever you live, look out for trade shows, conferences, and industry gatherings.

These events are excellent opportunities to meet like-minded professionals and build new connections.

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10. Follow up and maintain relationships

After each networking meeting, follow up with a thank-you note or email. Express appreciation for their time and insights, and tell them you’d like to stay in touch.

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Conclusion

Building a professional network is a gradual but essential process. Success depends on your ability to build authentic relationships and your willingness to invest time and effort. Don’t wait to network until you need a job. Instead, treat networking as an activity you do throughout your career. Your network is something you should constantly be cultivating.

Networking should always come from a genuine interest in learning from others and providing value in return.

By following these tips and consistently expanding your network, you’ll open doors to new opportunities, gain valuable insights, and enhance your career growth.