What are the best ways to build your professional network when you're new to an industry?

Attend industry events and conferences: Participate in industry-related events, conferences, and workshops to connect with professionals in your field. These gatherings provide excellent opportunities to meet potential mentors, colleagues, and partners. Join professional organizations and associations: Become a member of relevant professional organizations and associations related to your industry. Actively participate in their activities, attend meetings, and volunteer for committees to gain visibility and connect with like-minded individuals. Leverage online platforms: Utilize online networking platforms like LinkedIn to connect with professionals in your industry. Create a comprehensive profile too.

Social Media Tools: Use apps like Hootsuite to schedule your LinkedIn and Twitter posts. It keeps your profile active and saves time. Email Automation: Platforms like Mailchimp are great for sending updates about your professional life to contacts. Set it and forget it! CRM Systems: Tools like Salesforce help you keep track of who you've met and when to reach out again. A real lifesaver for staying organized. Content Creation: Canva is your friend for making eye-catching graphics for your posts. More likes, more connections! LinkedIn Automation: Tools like Dux-Soup can help find and reach out to new people in your field. Just remember to add a personal touch when they respond.

One thing I've found helpful is to search trends in a particular industry. While multiple sources may have their own opinions, you'll notice a consensus around certain key terms and insights. Additionally, searching for the most popular podcasts & content creators is a good starting point (though popularity shouldn't remain your sole criteria).

The more activities you attend, the more you become recognized. Once people begin to see you more often and begin to know your name and what you're about, they will help network for you. With my massage practice, I have a focus on medical massage, so the more health fairs I attend, the more people will associate my massage practice with Healthcare, so when they hear someone needing help with neck pain or something like that, my name will pop into their mind and they will network for me.

It is important to keep good communication with your existing connections. Say hi once in a while, wish them happy birthday, congratulate them on milestones, just a quick checkin. Don't reach out to them only when you need something from them. Building that good relationship will make them think of you when they/you least expect it and it might be easier for you to ask to be introduced to someone they know instead of just popping up in their mailbox for the first time in 2 years!

Pay it forward! As you grow your network, you will come across others with varying skills and expertise. One of the most effective things you can do to strengthen your network is to harness the collective power of those around you. Find your 'swim lane' and stick to it. My swim lane is delivering mental health training to children's services professionals. But within my network, there are therapists, psychologists, curriculum experts and specialists in physical development, just to name a few. These aren't my swim lanes so I make space and regularly refer/promote others. I am keen to uplift my connections who I can align with and it also establishes my reputation as someone who celebrates and supports other trainers. Try it out!

Listen, don't ever just assume, form a balanced opinion and then share. Find a niche, a passion or an interest, build trust and post!