Like saving for retirement, it’s never too early to start building your network. In the ups and downs of your professional life, your network will provide you the support necessary to be successful. But in order for your network to support you, you need to build and nurture it in the first place.
How? Let’s find out:
#1: Know what you stand for
Be yourself. Don’t fake it, people like to network with genuine people.
#2: Who do you want to network with?
Be focused about your network. Hang out with those people that you want to connect with. These could be folks in your industry, prospective customers or your alumni. Don’t spread yourself too thin by networking with every single community out there – be opportunistic and focused.
#3: Build your network before you need it
You might need your network to make your next sale, for finding your next job or for helping a cause. But don’t start digging a well when you are feeling thirsty 
you should be building your network continuously.
#4: Be a mensch
The golden rule (and often counter-intuitive) of networking is….drum roll….
“When you network, offer to help the other person”. |
You can build far stronger networks when you look for ways of helping others. How can you be of help? Guy Kawasaki lays it out.
#5: Socialize informally
In his book Never Eat Alone
#6: Use Social Networks
LinkedIn is the numero uno way of networking professionally. It allows you to not only connect with more people but also showcase your experience and gain intelligence about others.
#7: Be prepared
Before you rev up your networking engine, be prepared with what you are actually going to talk about. Here’s the bare minimum that you should have:
- Ice-breaker blurbs – anything from weather, sports, food, compliments. Just enough to get you started.
- An elevator speech that introduces yourself and provides a ‘hook’ into a follow-on conversation
- A stack of business cards
- Smartphone or moleskin to capture others’ contact information or notes. Best part, you can even calendar your follow-up meeting right there!
Advanced Networking Techniques
| HBR’s detailed guide on how to build your personal network |
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