How to Develop and Maintain a Professional Network

How to Network: A Brief Tutorial

Always remember that you are working with human beings who come with their own dreams, desires, and needs. Whether networking at work or an event, the goal is to find points of mutual connection, not one-sided connection. You want to find ways to help each other, and by doing so you both grow. That is the ideal outcome of a professional network. So how to build a network? There is no one right way, but there are some fundamentals that remain true no matter the circumstance.

Who Matters Most?

These are the 20 or so most valuable members of your network. Mentors, close co-workers, business partners and clients who have a huge impact on the success of your career belong in this category. It’s important to know who they are and to maintain these relationships as if they were your own family. Call them regularly, invite them to events if it’s appropriate – whatever lets them know that they matter to you.

Beware of Too Many Connections

It’s not helpful to have connections just for the sake of it. Know what type of contacts you need and focus on those people. It’s always good practice to be friendly and to meet many people, but a network consists of people you spend time and energy connecting with over the long-term. If you have the right contacts, less is often more.

Offer Help First

Sometimes network development requires a bit of generosity. What can you do to help solve another’s problem? What tools and skills do you have that can be of service to another? Offering your services when you see a need goes a long way with people. The key here is flow. Listen to the needs of the person you are talking to and if something comes up in conversation that you can help with, speak up and then follow through.

But Don’t Leave It There

Offering help is fantastic, but you don’t want to be identified solely as the person who serves. Send follow up emails or a phone call to check in and lean the conversation in a new direction. When the opportunity arises, ask for what you want. This may come in the form of a mutual exchange of services, but if you’ve helped someone out in the past, they’ll be keener to help you in the future.

Let Yourself Shine

Speak confidently on your skills, achievements, beliefs, and perspective. Truthful communication is valuable and pulls the truth out of others. Cracking through the façade that often appears in networking situations allows you to see and be seen more clearly – leading to authentic and meaningful connections.

Nurture Your Connections

True connections take time to take root and grow. Once you’ve planted a seed with someone, you have to water and sun it. Stay in contact with them, let them know that you’re thinking of them and that you remember what they talked about. If they presented a problem they’re having in their career or company, keep it in mind and when you run across something that could help them reach out and let them know.

Put Yourself Out There

You can’t make connections unless you get out in the world. Attend events, try new things, take risks and follow your intuition. You never know where you’re going to meet the people who can help you take the next step in your career.