Seven steps to building your professional network

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….

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, Keith Ferrazi tlaks about how a simple idea like grabbing lunch with someone informally is a spectacular time to connect with someone. So if you’re eating alone, you’re missing out on an opportunity to connect with someone.

#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