7 Ways to Build a Strong Professional Network

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A strong professional network can be the backbone of a rewarding and fulfilling career. Establishing and nurturing connections with other professionals can help spark new opportunities, increase job proficiency, and build personal credibility. For some, networking comes easily. But for many others, inexperience, complacency, or social anxiety can hinder the effort it takes to cultivate a robust professional network.

Fortunately, you don’t need to be an extrovert to seek out relationships that bring mutual value. Consider following these strategies to create lasting connections with four common types of networking activities: professional events, community service, social media, and personal interactions.

What Is Professional Networking?

Professional networking is the development and cultivation of relationships with other professionals, both within your field and outside of it. Like any positive social interaction, networking in a professional context implies a mutual benefit. These benefits might include sharing knowledge, providing support and insight, alerting each other to job opportunities, and providing introductions.

Why Is Networking as a Professional So Important?

Noted business author Bob Burg is behind the adage that people tend to do business with people they know, like, and trust. Consider how many activities within a business environment involve risk: hiring a new employee, launching a new product, accepting a new job, adopting a new technology – business decisions can be an endless series of risky choices.

To de-risk important decisions, some business owners seek out trusted advisors. That’s why it can be well worth the time and energy to network professionally. A strong business network can open doors to new opportunities, deepen knowledge, and accelerate career growth. To help make your network more effective, consider incorporating a few key networking strategies.

3 Keys to Good Networking

Effective professional networks are built on three principles: purpose, people, and process. Embracing these principles can fuel a reliable group of trusted contacts that endure over time.

Purpose: Good networking generates value. Try to aim to provide value to the other person with every networking interaction. For those who are early in their careers, changing industries, or tentative about social interactions, this may seem improbable – but even the act of listening intently can be a graceful way to demonstrate your interest in bringing value to the interaction. Resist the notion that professional networking is a quid pro quo exercise. It may be impossible to predict how any two individuals will ultimately provide reciprocal value, but exhibiting a service-oriented mindset can pave the way for long-term benefits.

People: Effective networks aren’t linear, they’re a web. Your network contacts may come from both personal and professional connections and should reflect a diversity of tenure and experience. Tapping into affiliations such as co-workers (present and past), school alumnae, and interests such as sports and community service all feed prospective network leads. Crucially, reach down, sideways and up: your peers may likely be the majority of your network contacts, but try to proactively engage less experienced people (who may prove to be an excellent talent pool) and seek out mentors or industry influencers who can help you up your game.

“Specific, open-ended questions can help set the stage for a great exchange.” —Danielle Antes, talent acquisition and organizational culture leader

Process: The third key to good networking is to make it a habit. Embed a routine set of behaviors to establish your own process to make the most of professional events, networking platforms, and existing relationships. Aim to reconnect with former colleagues, post on social networking platforms, attend industry and local meet-ups on a regular cadence, and block time on your calendar so you follow through. If it’s helpful, set up a buddy system with one or more close peers to help motivate and share successes. Don’t overlook the power of serendipity: if an article, podcast, or experience reminds you of someone in your network, reach out with it. “This made me think of you” can be a nearly effortless but effective habit to cultivate.

Start With a Business Networking Goal

To help create more effective networks, it can help to start with a goal, such as seeking advice, generating client referrals, recruiting new talent, or building a preferred supplier network. Then, you can tailor your outreach activities accordingly. But since the main purpose of networking is to create mutual value, it can be equally important to define your own potential contributions before you start networking in earnest. These may include:

• Introductions to the people in your own network
• Expertise you possess (Hint: jot down – in 10 or fewer words – a description of a project you successfully completed to have it top of mind in spontaneous conversation.)
• Experiences you’ve learned from (Conducting business globally; starting, selling, or acquiring a business; using technology; and even personal travel are examples of areas many others might be seeking advice on.)

Build Your Professional Network With These 7 Strategies

With the groundwork carefully prepared, it’s time to build your professional network by considering one, more, or all of the following seven networking strategies.

1. Keep Up With Former Co-Workers

Reinforcing bonds that were forged during times of growth – or times of failure – with periodic check-ins helps nurture relationships and can spark conversations that lead to new opportunities or introductions. This can be an excellent place to start, because you’ve already established trust and camaraderie with these colleagues. Danielle Antes, an experienced leader in talent acquisition and organizational culture, suggests several “go-to” phrases to make the most out of these conversations. “Specific, open-ended questions can help set the stage for a great exchange,” Antes says. She suggests choosing from among several prompts to propel the discussion, such as:

• “Can I get your advice on…”
• “I’d love to learn more about…”
• “Could you recommend a resource for…”
• “Would you be willing to make an introduction to…”

2. Attend Networking Events

These may be industry-specific or general business events, such as those hosted by local Chambers of Commerce. If conversations with strangers feel awkward to you, consider that they probably do for many others in the room, too. Create opportunities for valuable exchanges by offering specific information about yourself. Don’t say, “I’m the director of marketing at my company.” Say, “I’m in marketing, but lately I feel like I should be in recruiting – I’ve interviewed five people this week for a job I’m trying to fill. If you have a favorite interview tip, I’ll take it!” or “I do marketing – mostly supporting our sales team with materials. Lately I have been obsessed with researching AI tools for sales enablement. Have you ever explored that?” Be open minded, demonstrate authentic curiosity, and take a risk!

3. Leverage Social Network Platforms

Social media and professional networking sites can be effective forums in which to build your reputation, establish your expertise, and expand your network. Posting, commenting, and sharing in a thoughtful and intentional manner can help build followers and add credibility when you seek to connect via the platform. Antes shares frequently on LinkedIn with candid posts that reflect her insights on work culture and her core values. “Sharing authentic, informative content on LinkedIn has opened the door to some of my most meaningful networking opportunities. I’ve had engaging conversations and feisty debates, started mentoring relationships, and even received job offers from complete strangers who reached out simply because something I said resonated with them. By putting more of yourself out there through content, you end up attracting the type of people you want in your community and you can more easily maintain an engaged network.”  

4. Join Volunteer and Alumni Groups

Community service can be an excellent way to meet like-minded people working toward a common goal. Similarly, alumni groups offer the advantage of drawing people together who share a common experience, yet reflect diverse ages, experiences, and industries.

5. Become a Connector

Introducing two people who could mutually benefit from each other can be an effective way to amplify your own value creation. Be generous with your contacts and your network may expand exponentially. Sarah Bolin Harper, an entrepreneur and certified coach specializing in executive and organizational leadership, has made such connecting the backbone of her mission and business. “Connections are why we’re here – building authentic connections creates a kinder, more productive world and is absolutely measurable,” she says.

Harper employs an intentional framework to connect people who can mutually benefit. She targets calls with two new people each week to provide them with valuable introductions. “I listen carefully and consider, ‘Who do I know that is aligned with this person on what they care most about right now?’ and create and share mini bios with each person, explaining in three bullets or less why I think they’ll find common ground that will lead to mutual value.” Harper’s connections, which she tracks with a spreadsheet, have spawned partnerships, collaborations, and friendships, and have swelled her own network. “Inevitably, many ask who they can introduce me to, as way to return the favor. But that’s not what motivates me – I know that these connections bring me good karma and yes, often people land someplace and recognize that our services would be a good fit for their company.”

6. Use Strategic Networking

Business consultants and coaches often use the phrase “strategic networking” to describe outreach to support specific business needs (vs. personal growth). An example of this might be to request help writing a job description for a new company role, or to seek advice on implementing new technology. This type of networking activity makes recipients more responsive to cold outreach. When the person clearly understands that A) they have expertise to offer, and B) there’s no other agenda such as a sales pitch or a request for a job interview, the likelihood of a swift and substantive conversation may be high.

7. Use Your Network to Recruit Talent

If you’ve built your network through providing value, authentic interest, and consistent action, your network contacts may see you as a desirable employer. Consider sharing job descriptions and asking them to review their own networks for prospective candidates. 

Your professional network can be a major factor in career growth, driving new opportunities, deepened skills, and rewarding relationships. With dedicated effort and consistent attention, your business network can provide enduring value.

A version of this article was originally published on November 15, 2012.

Photo: Getty Images

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