How to cultivate your strategic network, plus tips for both virtual and in-person: |
Let’s face it, some of us are not networking naturals. It might feel awkward, disingenuous or simply unsafe (in these ongoing pandemic times). But if you’ve recently lost your job, the best time to have a strong, strategic network of contacts was probably yesterday.
“Strategic” is the operative word. Networking shouldn’t be throwing yourself into happy hours, conferences or virtual events and hoping for the best. So let's jump in on two tactics to cultivate your strategic network, plus tips for both virtual and in-person: |
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| Start With Your Inner Circle |
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Sociologist and author Tracy Brower recommends thinking about your network in layers of “concentric circles.”
“In your inner circle, check in with close colleagues who will remind you of your talents and unique contributions. Look to your family or friends to encourage you and build you up after a bad interview or celebrate after a good one.Also, tap into your secondary network—those people whom you know, but not as well. Statistically, your next opportunity typically emerges from your secondary or tertiary network because they are made up of people who have access to information you and your primary network do not. So, reach out to the colleague you worked with a few years ago, and reconnect with the neighbor you haven’t spoken with recently. Ask for input and help.” |
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It never hurts to be specific when you're asking for help; in fact, it’s key in inspiring your network to work with you, according to technical recruiter Jennifer Magley.
“It’s important to remember that life rewards the specific and punishes the vague in networking,” said Adam Connors, founder of NetWorkWise.
“Be clear about your expected outcomes and what you want to do. It will not only help your networks put you in touch with the right people, but it also expedites the time of your desired outcomes.” |
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| Virtual networking is easier and more ubiquitous than ever before. Here are some ways to maintain a bias toward action online, from author and business advisor Bernard Marr: |
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 | Identify Your Niche: For most people, establishing a niche topic is a great way to begin creating your own personal brand, which is an important first step in your virtual networking process. Go beyond your previous job, and try to identify areas that will grow in importance in the next few years. |
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| Start Small: Make sure all your existing profiles are up-to-date, but beyond that, don’t put pressure on yourself to build a presence on all the online platforms at once. It’s okay to start small by doing just a tiny bit more on the platforms you’re already actively using. |
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| Join Industry Groups: Build a reputation by engaging with posts, answering questions, and sharing other people’s content in the group. |
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| Attend Free Events: There are plenty of online groups, conferences, and workshops happening every day, and they’re a great place to connect. |
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| For some, the in-person event and conference circuit are back. Here are a few ideas from speaker and advisor John Hall to help you make the right connections: |
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| Do Your Homework: At least a week before your event, pull up the conference webpage, review the schedule and scan the sponsors listing. If you’ve signed up for breakout sessions, familiarize yourself with them and draft a list of questions to ask. Brush up on your introduction and elevator pitch. |
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| Arrive Early: When going to a panel session, plan to arrive early and snag a seat up front. Say hello and introduce yourself to panelists and the moderator. This is a courteous move, and it will make you more memorable. When it’s time to take questions from the audience, yours will likely get the first nod. Afterward, you’ll feel much more comfortable hanging around to swap insights with the panel’s heavyweights thanks to the connection you established upfront. |
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| Keep the Momentum: If you didn’t learn this back in your early days of dating, it’s all about the follow-up. You wouldn’t want to get ghosted after a great date, and in the same way, you don’t want to be forgotten after a conference. After the event ends, aim to follow up within two business days. Conferences can take a lot out of people, both mentally and physically. Give everyone time to rest, but not enough time to forget you. |
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Make no mistake, networking is a lot of work, but doing so with intention will not only make efficient use of your time, it’s respectful to others as well.
We’ll be back in your inbox tomorrow with tips on how to optimize your résumé for the modern job market. |
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