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How do you build connections? 9 ways to grow your network

Sep 22, 2020

9 Ways to Grow Your Network

For many, the term networking comes across as a generic and ingenious way of advancing one’s career. That is because too many professionals approach it in the wrong way! Growing your network is not about having the most connections on LinkedIn as much as it is about developing strong relationships with people who share the same interests and goals as you. The ultimate goal is to create meaningful connections with people who won’t hesitate to say your name in a room full of opportunities.

But how do you find those people? And how do you approach them in a meaningful way? We’re glad you asked! In fact, we asked the same question to nine extremely well-connected business leaders. To learn the tips to their effortless approach, read on!

“I’ve Never Met a Stranger”

The best way to grow your network is to be approachable and easy to reach. Take the time to respond to messages, and when possible schedule quick 15-minute virtual coffee meetings. I always remember one of my Dad’s favorite sayings, “I’ve never met a stranger.”

Nicole Spracale, Coaching and Consulting

Attend Online Events

The best way to build connections and grow your network during these changing times is to attend online events. This is a great time to attend virtual events that take place anywhere across the globe and explore new industries that you otherwise may not have invested time in being plugged into. Initiate 1:1 meetings from these larger events and go deeper with a small number of people for mutually beneficial connections.

Stephanie Thoma, Networking Career Coach

Connect Based on Common Interests

Approach networking as you would making new friends. Don’t try to ask for favors or grand gestures the first time you reach out. Connect with them based on common interests or industries and get to know the person before you begin making professional inquiries or requests.

Vanessa Molica, The Lash Professional

The Network Effect

The best way to build connections and grow my network is to ask people in my existing network. The term, “the network effect,” exists for a reason. I’ve found that if I can get a few introductions from friends and colleagues, those introductions lead to more introductions, and so on. Plus, these relationships hit the ground running because they’re from warm referrals instead of cold outreach.

James Pollard, The Advisor Coach LLC

Company Retreats

Lake Rabun offers company retreats that are an excellent way to build and maintain relationships with people in your same industry. While the pandemic is in full swing, virtual company retreats have become the new normal, but once things subside, retreats are always an easy way to make new connections and see new faces in the industry. 

Gwen North, Lake Rabun Hotel

A Friend of a Friend

A friend of a friend is a powerful tool. Become acquainted with your friends’ coworkers and other friends to build a series of connections that you can reach out to if you ever need it. These connections become second degree, which means you don’t know them through your own experience but you have a common friend and get to know each other through them. These connections can be just as influential.

Ryan Nouis, TruPath

Don’t Be Afraid to Shoot Your Shot

Social networking sites are a fantastic way to meet new people! The key to finding success on them is to never be afraid to shoot your shot. If you come across someone interesting that you would like to connect with, send them a message. The worst-case scenario is that they don’t reply, but the best case is that you hit it off and develop a great connection that can open doors for you down the road. 

Nikitha Lokareddy, Markitors

Offer a Consultation to Introduce Yourself

I have seen people offer a service for free such as a 15-minute consultation to introduce themselves. I think this way of connection is helpful for building trust. Others have asked who our clientele is, so they can refer them to us. I think that offering something without expecting anything in return is the key to good networking.

Sara Yusupov, iHeartRadio

Integrate Networking Into Your Business Plan

Make networking a regular part of your business plan, and spend time on this every week.  Seek out colleagues in similar businesses, professional associations, community associations, and other networks for new connections, and ask your connections for suggestions. LinkedIn and other networks are great for this!

Colleen McManus, Senior Consultant

Markitors

Filed Under: Career Advice Blog Tagged With: networking advice, Connections, networking

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Testimonials

Navigating the world of career transition can be an overwhelming experience.  In addition to the mechanics of transition (updated resume, career search strategies), there is the deeper need to connect to people who are in the same situation as you are.   For me, all of this was answered by Career Connectors!  Had it not been for this organization, I might still be sitting in my house, wondering what to do next!  At just one Career Connectors meeting you can be inspired by great speakers, … Read more
Iris M.
Career Connectors is dedicated to bring the job seeker to reputable employers in the valley. I appreciate their professionalism and their consistency to continue to provide great leads.
Leslie B.
Thank you, Jessica. Although I wasn’t able to meet you personally, I was able to see you working with another applicant and was impressed with your efforts and the excellent platform that your team presented. Thank you very much.
Luis R.
I just wanted to reach out to you and say Thank you to you, Career Connectors and the whole Team! So let me explain why, while I’ve known of Career Connectors for many years, I never thought that I would need employment services or guidance before. On September 19th 2019 I found myself being let go from my job. I later the next day saw the Career Connectors event at Central Christian Church Gilbert Campus coming up on Facebook and signed up for it. While attending my first Career Connectors even… Read more
Brian P.
Great lead for follow up with a couple of employers.
Rebecca, R.N.
Good news. I have landed. Thank you for your support throughout my job search journey. You and your organization has lots to offer besides the positive energy, uplifting of self confidence and immense networking opportunities. I am very appreciative of the efforts and time put forward by you and your team.
Kirtida A.
After one year of unemployment, I have been employed with an excellent company at a job which is perfect fit for my experience and desires for many months, through the efforts of the devoted volunteers at Career Connectors. I and my family are eternally grateful. Sincere thanks!
Jeff A.
Career Connectors has given me the courage to move forward and the mindset to move out of this moment. I have gained encouragement, opportunity, and a stronger skill-set in each meeting I have attended. This interaction has given me the vision to see my God given talents, the realization of how much I still have to offer, and the ability to put value in my career, instead of only seeing value by a job.
Anonymous
This was terrific! Very successful. I’m glad I came!
Maggie D.
I’ve attended a few of your events in Gilbert and Scottsdale since returning to AZ and being an active job seeker. I’m happy to report that I’ve been offered a job! I’m over the moon about the offer and couldn’t be more grateful after a long, three month search (that definitely felt much longer…. 🙂 ). I want to thank you for your programs. You have excellent speakers who always energized me when I was needing it most. And your resume reviewer was great. She was a tough cookie with a red pen y… Read more
Becky T.
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