Building a valuable network is a crucial aspect of career success.
Whether you’re a newcomer to an industry or looking to expand your professional connections, here are six tips to help you build a network that will open doors and create career opportunities.
Be Your Authentic Self
When building your network, authenticity is vital.
Most messages I get on LinkedIn are cold and inauthentic. You can tell that people are copying and pasting a generic message. Most people, myself included, appreciate sincerity and genuine connections.
Instead of approaching networking with a transactional mindset, focus on building meaningful relationships.
Take the time to listen, understand, and offer support to others. Show interest in their work and aspirations. Authenticity is magnetic and will attract the right connections.
Share your story, your passions, and your ambitions with others. Let them see the real you.
By being true to yourself, you’ll attract like-minded individuals who appreciate your non-linear path and can offer valuable guidance and support.
Authenticity creates a strong foundation for long-term, meaningful relationships. Check out my video on the Do’s and Don’ts of Networking to avoid mistakes that lead to no replies.
Seek Diverse Connections
Your goal in growing your network is to make meaningful connections. With that goal in mind, you can be more open about meeting people in various places.
Make sure to expand yourself beyond networking within your immediate field or industry. Seek out connections from different backgrounds, industries, and experiences.
Embrace diversity in your network, as it can bring fresh perspectives and open doors to new opportunities.
Attend industry events, conferences, and social gatherings to meet professionals from different sectors.
Engage in online communities and platforms to connect with like-minded individuals. Sometimes, the most unexpected connections can lead to incredible opportunities.
Feel free to go beyond your comfort zone and meet people from different cultural and social backgrounds. Remember, a diverse network can provide valuable insights and connections that can contribute to your career growth.
Offer Value and Support
Many view career opportunities as a fixed pie with limited slices for the taking. So they approach people with the view of what they can get from the relationship. Yet, networking is all about expanding that pie and recognizing that each person has something valuable to contribute.
In growing a powerful network, everyone brings unique skills, perspectives and experiences to the relationship. Instead of solely focusing on what you can gain from your connections, think about what you can offer in return.
Look for ways to provide value, whether it’s sharing knowledge, making introductions, or offering support.
Actively engage with your network by providing assistance, offering resources, or volunteering your time.
Help others without expecting anything in return. Building a reputation as a helpful and supportive individual will strengthen your relationships and make others more likely to support you.
Foster Curiosity and Continuous Learning
As a newcomer with a non-linear path, you bring a fresh perspective and a wealth of experiences.
When you live in a new country, there is much to learn and opportunities to engage in new experiences.
Start pickleball, learn to make classic dishes from various countries, and try new experiences-find your community. As a newcomer gaining Canadian experience is pivotal in finding your dream role in Canada.
There are several apps to find people with shared or new interests.
On the professional front, upskill to grow your career and always remember the importance of soft skills.
Cultivate curiosity and a hunger for knowledge. Be eager to learn from others and seek growth opportunities through your network.
Attend workshops, webinars, and industry events to expand your knowledge and connect with individuals who share your passion.
You’ll be an invaluable asset in your network by embracing continuous learning.
Be Open to Collaboration
In growing a robust network, collaboration should be at the center. Collaboration is a powerful tool for unlocking new possibilities.
Seek opportunities to collaborate with others who complement your skills and expertise.
Together, you can create something remarkable that neither of you could achieve alone.
Break free from the notion of competition and embrace the power of collaboration.
I always seek out opportunities to collaborate with other career professionals.
In our FAQ Monday series, the Career Conversations video series and on all platforms, I often celebrate other career professionals for their wins.
By working together, you can amplify your impact and open doors to unexpected career paths.
Nurture Your Relationships
Building a network is about making connections and nurturing and maintaining those relationships over time.
Nurturing involves a lot of time and commitment. Simply liking posts on social media is only the beginning.
Regularly reach out to your network through in-person meetings, virtual coffee chats, or online interactions.
Stay updated on their professional endeavours and show genuine interest in their progress.
Be proactive in offering support or congratulating them on their achievements.
Building and maintaining solid relationships will ensure that your network remains valuable and supportive throughout your career journey.
By following these six tips, you can build a valuable network that will eventually contribute to your career success. A lot of my career success is a direct result of the relationships I built and nurtured over time.
Networking is an ongoing process, so continuously nurture and grow your connections. By building relationships based on authenticity, diversity, mutual support, nurturing, and collaboration, you’ll forge a network that supports your non-linear path and propels you toward exciting career opportunities.