7 Easy Ways to Build Your Network
By Jeff Altman, The Big Game Hunter
In this video, I’ll be sharing 7 tips for building or expanding a successful professional network.
00:00 Intro
01:11 Use social media
02:08 Attend industry events
02:24 Join professional organizations
02:57 Volunteering
03:18 Attend conferences
03:53 Ask for introductions
04:08 Follow up
04:49 Summary
05:52 Outro
Why You Should Continuously Network
Are you struggling to build a strong professional network, I’m going to be sharing seven tips on how to build a successful professional network. I’m Jeff Altman, The Big Game Hunter. People hire me for no BS coaching and career advice globally, because I make things easy for people. And where I make it easy is around job search, hiring more effectively, managing and leading better, dealing with different workplace issues or a career transition. Because you don’t have the time or the interest in figuring these things out. So you wind up doing it by trial and error. And because of all the experience I’ve had in recruiting, and in coaching, and then frankly, you know, trained as a therapist, as well, there’s a lot that I bring to function as your ally in all these processes.
So whether you’re starting out, or you’re already established in your field, building a strong professional network can help you achieve your goals and open up new opportunities. So let’s look at seven easy ways to build your network and advance your career.
A Management Lesson from Coach K
Now, the first one I know you know, and that’s using social media like LinkedIn, Twitter, Instagram, even Facebook, because these are tools for building your professional network. Keep your profiles up to date. Engage with other people.
Same thing with attending industry events. They are a great way to meet people, and learn about the latest trends and developments in your field. So look for events in your area, look for events online, and make it a point to attend from time to time.
Now engaging, can be as simple as commenting on what other people post, sharing it. It’s a nice way to start connecting with people by supporting them. And thus, as you post things, which could be links to articles that you’ve seen, or videos that you’ve seen, what you’re able to do is elicit reciprocity. However, don’t expect it for a while. It’s not like the first time you’re going to comment on something, people are going to instantly respond by commenting on yours. This is part of the grind of doing this,. It’s work done over time.
Three. Join professional organizations. And thus, you’ll have access to events and resources, but also be able to connect with other members, and find people who have interesting ideas, maybe function as a mentor for you, minimally is an advisor for you and thus be able to expand your reach of support, which is really what we’re talking about– Your support system, and how it can help you advance professionally and a job search.
Tip number four is volunteering. You can volunteer with these events, or with organizations and meet new people, and show your skills and expertise. It’s also a way of giving back after years where others have given to you and you’re able to build your network because you’re a visible person.
Attending physical conferences is also a great way to grow. Because, again, you’re meeting people or you have the opportunity to meet people. You do have to extend yourself to talk to people that you don’t know. And you can always start off by saying ‘Hi, I’m Jeff Altman (use your name instead of mine). And I work for so and so doing such and such. What do you do?’ It’s the easiest way to start connecting with people. Then from there, be curious. Ask questions that elicit them talking and not just you talking.
Ask for introductions from people. Don’t be afraid to ask for introductions to people in your field. Reach out to colleagues, mentors, friends, even coaches, and ask if they know someone who might be able to help you in building your network of relationships.
And thus, the last point I want to make is (and this is the one that so many people struggle with is follow-up. It’s important to follow up with people you meet to build relationships with them. Send them a quick email, a text message, thanking them for their time and asking if there’s anything you can do to help them, in return is a very easy way to do it. And then following up from time to time.
For example, a message at Christmas, a message at the New Year, wherever it seems appropriate for you to send a message that is personal, that just talks about what you’ve accomplished during the year and maintains the connection is worthwhile.
Building a strong professional network takes time and effort but it’s worth it. So follow these tips. Start building your network or expanding your network and this will help you take your career to the next level.
I hope you found this helpful. I’m Jeff Altman. My website is TheBigGameHunter.us You can go to the blog. There’s a ton there on networking and other things that will help you. Plus you can schedule time for a free discovery call with me if you’re interested in my coaching if you’re not sure yet, or you can schedule time for paid coaching with me, or if you have questions about your career, or job search, schedule time for Trusted Advisor Services. I can help.
You can also find that about my video courses, books and guides at the website. And I’ll just remind you connect with me on Linkedin at linkedin.com/in/TheBigGameHunter. Have a terrific day and most importantly, be great!
Admit It. Your Networking Isn’t Working
ABOUT JEFF ALTMAN, THE BIG GAME HUNTER
People hire Jeff Altman, The Big Game Hunter to provide No BS Career Advice globally because he makes many things in peoples’ career easier. Those things can involve job search, hiring more effectively, managing and leading better, career transition, as well as advice about resolving workplace issues.
Schedule a discovery call at my website, www.TheBigGameHunter.us
He is the host of “No BS Job Search Advice Radio,” the #1 podcast in iTunes for job search with over 2500 episodes.
Website: https://www.TheBigGameHunter.us (schedule a paid coaching session, a free discovery call or ask questions using my Trusted Adviser Services)
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/TheBigGameHunter
Courses: https://www.TheBigGameHunter.us/courses
Main YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@jobsearchtv
No BS Job Search Advice Radio Podcast: https://anchor.fm/nobsjobsearchadviceradio
Video Podcast of No BS Job Search Advice Radio: Spotify
Twitter: http://twitter.com/jeffaltmancoach
Medium: jeffaltmancoach.medium.com
Resume & LinkedIn Profile critiques www.TheBigGameHunter.us/critiques
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Too Good 🖊
Thanks 🔥