You're looking to grow your professional network. How can you make meaningful connections?

Networking is not just about exchanging business cards or adding contacts on LinkedIn. It's about building relationships that can help you grow professionally and personally. But how can you make meaningful connections with people who share your interests, goals, and values? Here are some tips to help you network effectively and authentically.

1 Identify your purpose

Before you start reaching out to potential connections, you need to have a clear idea of why you want to network and what you hope to gain from it. Are you looking for a mentor, a collaborator, a referral, or a friend? What are your short-term and long-term objectives? How can you offer value to others? Having a purpose will help you focus your efforts and communicate your intentions.

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Anshita Mishra

LinkedIn Top Strategy Voice | MBA candidate, NMIMS Bangalore, Co'25 | Weber Shandwick | GirlUp | University of Delhi, Co'22
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Expanding your professional network is about forging and nurturing meaningful connections. This will help fuel one's career growth in the long haul. Some ways to forge such connections are: 1. A defined goal and target audience 2. Thorough research 3. Authenticity is the way to go 4. Being proactive 5. Focus on value addition from your end and not just gaining it 6. Following up 7. Online and offline engagement Networking is about building genuine connections and not just about expanding one's contact list. By fostering strong relationships, it will help pave the way for future professional success in the long term.

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2 Find your niche

You don't have to network with everyone. You can be more selective and strategic by finding your niche. Your niche is the area of expertise, interest, or passion that defines you and sets you apart. It's also the common ground that connects you with like-minded people. You can find your niche by researching online communities, events, podcasts, blogs, or publications that cater to your field or topic. You can also ask your existing contacts for recommendations or introductions.

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3 Engage with quality

Quality over quantity is the key to effective networking. You don't have to send hundreds of messages or attend dozens of events to make meaningful connections. You just have to engage with quality. Quality means being genuine, respectful, and curious. It means listening more than talking, asking open-ended questions, and showing interest in the person, not just their role or title. It also means following up, staying in touch, and providing feedback, support, or referrals when appropriate.

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4 Be generous

Networking is not a one-way street. It's a mutual exchange of value, trust, and respect. If you want to make meaningful connections, you have to be generous. Generosity means sharing your knowledge, skills, resources, or time with others. It means offering help, advice, or insights without expecting anything in return. It also means acknowledging, appreciating, and celebrating the achievements and contributions of others.

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5 Seek feedback

Networking is not only about making connections, but also about improving yourself. You can use networking as an opportunity to seek feedback on your performance, goals, or challenges. Feedback can help you identify your strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, or threats. It can also help you learn new skills, perspectives, or best practices. You can seek feedback from your connections by asking for their opinions, suggestions, or recommendations. You can also give feedback to others by providing constructive criticism, praise, or recognition.

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6 Have fun

Networking doesn't have to be boring, stressful, or awkward. It can be fun, enjoyable, and rewarding. You can have fun by networking with people who share your hobbies, passions, or values. You can also have fun by networking in creative ways, such as playing games, joining clubs, or volunteering for causes. Networking with fun can help you relax, express yourself, and build rapport with others.

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7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?

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Anuradha (Anu) Udunuwara, FIET, FBCS

Telecom & Tech Thought Leader, Trusted Advisor, Consultant, Researcher, Trainer, and Author with 21+ Years of Industry Experience | Invited Speaker at 70+ Int'l Conferences
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LinkedIn today is a great platform to build and keep your connections. And it's the easiest. You have all your connections in one place and many use LinkedIn today for professional networking.

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You're looking to grow your professional network. How can you make meaningful connections?

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2

3

4

5

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1 Identify your purpose

2 Find your niche

3 Engage with quality

4 Be generous

5 Seek feedback

6 Have fun

7 Here’s what else to consider

Thought Leadership

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You're looking to grow your professional network. How can you make meaningful connections?

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

1 Identify your purpose

2 Find your niche

3 Engage with quality

4 Be generous

5 Seek feedback

6 Have fun

7 Here’s what else to consider

Thought Leadership

Rate this article

Thanks for your feedback

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