You’re trying to build your professional network. What’s the best way to get started?

1 Set your goals

Before you start networking, you need to have a clear idea of what you want to achieve from it. Do you want to find a mentor, a partner, a client, or a referral? Do you want to learn a new skill, explore a new industry, or get feedback on your work? Having a specific and realistic goal will help you focus your efforts and measure your progress.

2 Identify your target audience

Once you have your goal, you need to research and identify the people who can help you reach it. These are your target audience, and they can be anyone from your existing contacts, to industry experts, to potential employers. You can use various tools and platforms to find them, such as LinkedIn, Twitter, industry blogs, podcasts, events, and forums. Look for people who share your interests, values, and vision, and who have relevant experience, knowledge, or influence.

3 Craft your pitch

To network effectively, you need to be able to introduce yourself and your goal in a concise and compelling way. This is your pitch, and it should highlight your value proposition, your credibility, and your ask. Your value proposition is what you can offer to your target audience, such as your skills, expertise, or insights. Your credibility is what makes you trustworthy and qualified, such as your credentials, achievements, or testimonials. Your ask is what you want from your target audience, such as their advice, feedback, or introduction.

4 Reach out and follow up

The next step is to reach out to your target audience and start a conversation. You can use various channels and methods to do this, such as email, social media, phone, or video call. The key is to be respectful, personalized, and relevant. Don't send generic or spammy messages. Instead, show that you've done your homework, explain why you're interested in them, and how you can add value to them. Don't be afraid to follow up if you don't get a response, but don't be pushy or annoying either. Aim for quality over quantity.

5 Build relationships

Networking is not a one-time transaction, but a long-term process of building relationships. To do this, you need to be consistent, genuine, and reciprocal. Don't just contact your network when you need something from them. Instead, keep in touch regularly, share useful information, offer support, and celebrate their successes. Show that you care about them as individuals, not just as contacts. And don't forget to give back to your network, by introducing them to other people, providing feedback, or endorsing their skills.

6 Expand your network

Finally, you need to keep expanding your network to reach new people and opportunities. You can do this by joining online communities, attending events, participating in webinars, or volunteering for causes. These are great ways to showcase your expertise, meet like-minded people, and learn from others. You can also ask your existing network for referrals, recommendations, or testimonials, which can boost your credibility and visibility. The more you network, the more you'll grow your professional network and your career.

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?