How to Get the Most Out of Your Network

At this moment, how many LinkedIn connections do you have? 20? 1,000?. If you have 1000+, you might be thinking, “I have so many connections. I am great at networking.” The truth is, the size of your network is not as important as how you engage with your network. It is not enough to click “connect” if you want a powerful, enduring  network. In order to cultivate a strong and lasting network, you must keep up-to-date with your connections and consistently stay in touch. 

Below are four key elements to consider if you want to get the most out of your network: 

1. Start now, and start early

It is never too early to begin building a network! Whether you are still in college, recently entering the workforce, or an experienced professional, it is important to build strategic relationships with those in your industry. This is important to gain more opportunities and advance your career. Ensure that you are aware of the key-players who can assist with your growth and success professionally; then, reach out to those people. Ask for a phone conversation or to grab a coffee. Once you have initiated a relationship, do not wait until you need something from them to truly begin fostering a relationship. Offer your help from day one. Make sure that you place yourself as someone competent and knowledgeable. 

2. Do not underestimate the power of social media – seriously!

LinkedIn, Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram are great tools that enable you to stay in-front of your network digitally. Your network only begins when you click the “connect” button. When you send an invite to someone, write a personal message that will help you stand out from the rest. Posting industry relevant articles or writing your own, keeping your profile up-to-date, and staying active with likes and comments on others’ posts enables you to stay visible online. Here at Design Force, we post industry related articles to our LinkedIn, write blogs (if you are reading this, I am doing my job as a network guru right) and participate as authors in industry magazines to remain visible and active with our network. When used correctly, social media is a powerful tool to connect and cultivate relationships with key players in the industry. 

3. Stay in-touch

Cultivating lasting relationships with other careerists is essential to getting the most out of your network. There are many ways you can stay connected with your network. A company newsletter keeps others up-to-date with company developments. For mentors or closer relationships, schedule a calendar reminder to check-in every 60 or 90 days. Personalize relationships by asking to go to lunch or planning a small get-together with a group who knows each other. If you do not stay-in-touch with the people in your network, the entire purpose of your network is defeated. Do not lose an opportunity to build a professional relationship by not following-up with connections, especially if you can benefit from one another. 

4. Networking events 

All there is to say about networking events is go, go, go! Networking events are a great opportunity to refine your message, learn from other professionals, and stay current with the latest industry trends. Consistently meeting new people at events will help you figure out the best way to present yourself, sell your message, and hone in on your personal “elevator pitch.” Furthermore, networking events are filled with industry professionals at all levels and specialties – look at this as an opportunity to gain knowledge about the industry from the people that know it best. Asking questions or even preparing questions ahead of time will help you get the most out of conversations. There are many different types of networking events including speaking engagements, round table discussions, conferences, happy hours, and workshops; all have different things to offer but are all equally important events to attend. Do your research and find the networking events that are the most beneficial to your career goals. 

Start now. Social media is powerful. Keep connected. Network. Networking can seem like a scary task for many, but if you approach networking with a fearless mentality, the ‘just do it’ mentality, you will become a pro in no time. These four tips will help you utilize your network to its fullest potential. Before you know it, you will be the network guru who will give me tips!