Growing your network is imperative to advancing your career, but it can be challenging. After all, you don’t just meet new people by pure luck; you have to put in effort to make those connections happen.
Whether you have a small or large network, there are plenty of ways to grow and expand its reach. However, this isn’t always simple, as some people are more naturally inclined to build relationships than others. You need to not only find new connections but also nurture the relationships you already have. If you feel like you’re struggling with these skills, here is a guide on using relationship-building skills to grow your network.
1. Networking Basics
Networking – the art of making connections and building relationships with like-minded individuals in the industry – is a critical skill in the modern workplace. However, it does not come naturally to everyone, and if you’re struggling to make connections, it’s crucial to understand what makes a good networker.
Networking is more about quality than quantity. You want to focus on adding strategic connections and not adding as many people as possible. The goal is to build a valuable network of people who can support you professionally and vice versa.
In addition, show genuine interest in others. People generally sense when someone is trying too hard to connect with them, which can be off-putting. Being genuinely interested in the individuals you encounter, will increase your likelihood of leaving a favourable impression.
Moreover, make connections that are reciprocal. A relationship will not be authentic and sustainable if you are solely concerned with what you may gain from it. Only when you create mutually beneficial relationships will they endure.
2. Be a Good Listener
First and foremost, go into new relationships with the intention of being a good listener. It can be unsettling to have a conversation where all the attention is on you. Others may feel like you’re trying to sell them something or gain something from the conversation without contributing anything in return.
Listening shows that you’re interested in others and opens the opportunity for others to open up to you. This is a great way to open the door for networking, especially if you’re meeting someone for the first time.
For networking to be effective, you must enter every conversation with the intention of being a good listener and be genuinely interested in them – letting others shine. This will provide you with several networking opportunities and demonstrate that you are a valuable asset. Additionally, you may acquire new facts or ideas by merely observing and listening to others share their experiences.
3. Networking Events
If you work in an office setting, you might have access to company-sponsored networking events. These can be incredibly useful for helping you meet like-minded individuals in your industry. Just be sure to arrive with the right mindset and offer any assistance you can. Consider the following tips as you plan your approach:
- You don’t have to converse with everyone – Though unrealistic, you could try engaging in conversations with everyone at the event. Pick a few people who appear like they could be significant to you and concentrate on developing good relationships with them.
- Find an icebreaker – Finding a point of connection between you and the person you’re speaking to is a terrific approach to striking up a conversation. Maybe you both have shared interests, attended the same school, or have children participating in sports. Regardless, a common ground can always pivot a conversation in a different direction. And remember, greet people with a smile and a positive attitude and avoid topics like work or the weather.
4. Networking Tools
One of the best approaches to finding people to network with is to use online tools. There are tons of professional networking sites out there in this digital age, including LinkedIn and ZoomInfo. These sites let you search for other like-minded individuals in your field and create connections with them with a few clicks.
You can also use social media to make connections inside and outside of your industry by finding those who share similar interests. This can be a great way to tap into an existing network and make connections that you might not have been able to make otherwise.
Besides using the online space, you can also join a professional association, attend events hosted by your industry’s trade organisation, or even join a non-profit relevant to your field. It doesn’t matter what the connection is; all that matters is that you are meeting new people and opening new possibilities.
5. Networking Via Electronic Communication
While it’s essential to meet in person and build connections, you can also tap into your network via electronic communication. These platforms include email, Twitter DMs, text messages, WhatsApp groups and other forms of communication.
Email and other electronic communication tools are great for building relationships and maintaining connections with people who aren’t in your physical network. These tools can help you keep in touch with colleagues, peers, and even potential mentors.
A good habit to develop is not waiting until you run into someone at an event to start a conversation. In this modern age, you can message people at any time, from anywhere. Do this by sending personalised emails to people you’ve met in person or have connections with via social media.
Conclusion
Building a solid network of connections is essential whether you’re looking for a new job or amid a career transition. This can seem challenging, especially if you’re not naturally inclined when it comes to building relationships. Fortunately, there are plenty of ways to start improving your networking skills. Whether you attend networking events, use online tools, or reach out via electronic communications, you can find new connections and grow your network.
To further build your skills, consider joining career development workshops in Singapore where you can learn the ropes on how to grow your professional network. Discuss your goals with experienced mentors and contrive solutions to achieve them.
At Quest Discovery Academy, our career coaching workshops are designed to provide invaluable skills and strategies for growing your career. Choose from a variety of topics that are most relevant to you and your situation, and receive expert guidance from our career coaches to help you achieve your goals. Contact us at hello@qda-asia.com for more information on our programs.