You're looking to expand your professional network. What's the best way to do it?

Case studies work better than lectures. Because they have a personal element in it. People do not want theories but more keen to learn from other's life experiences. Ideally posts should convey our learnings and experiences. It should also answer the most important question 'what's in it for me'? A professional network needs to offer a symbiotic relationship. Make sure the posts are not too verbose or jargonish but kept at a reasonable understanding level.

Nowadays social media can be very useful for expanding your network and helping to consolidate your personal brand. However, I believe in “being present”, whether participating in events in your area, voluntary actions ( not necessarily related to your area), as well as in the social media itself. “Being present” becomes the time and attention given to a specific person or problem, which will potentially help you to be remembered and expand your network.

You need to sell yourself. Take the approach of marketers as an example. Take a piece of paper and draw 1-3 target types of people. Describe each type - what they might work for, what they might be interested in. For each type, identify the type of content that will interest them. Then create a plan to generate the necessary content. This way you will clarify your goals and get a ready-made strategy for developing yourself through content.

É necessário listar seus objetivos, com enfoque ao seu perfil profissional, contribua com artigos, newletter, posts, comunicação, feiras e eventos voltados a sua área, crie sua marca e sua identidade. Torne-se presente pois quem não é visto, não é lembrado!

Leveraging your existing contacts is a powerful place to start. When you reach out to share with them your networking goals, do so with a mindset for how the experience can be collaborative. Ask questions about what successes and challenges they've experienced as they grew their networks. Take time to learn about their networking or career goals so you can help each other expand your networks. Good networking should help you achieve your goals, while also being a great opportunity for you to "pay it forward" by helping someone else find a resource to help them with their goals, whether today or in the future. Seek out mentors and be bold in reaching out to others to network. You'll be pleasantly surprised by how often people want to help!

Research is crucial, but go beyond just finding the "right" people. Approach it with genuine curiosity. Learn about their work, their passions. This sparks better conversations and builds stronger connections.

The ability to initiate contact is very important. It is especially important to briefly describe yourself. Practice this: Write a short professional summary about yourself, up to 2000 characters, highlight 15 of your key professional skills. Then cut it down to 1000 characters and leave 10 skills. Then cut it down to 500 characters and leave 5 skills. Then cut it down to 140 characters and leave 2 skills. This way you will identify your core value and be able to present yourself concisely. Remember to be polite and encourage the other person to give you an answer.

Follow Up Like a Friend =) Following up isn't just about you. Ask about their work, share relevant updates, or simply offer encouragement. Building trust and rapport is key to lasting relationships.

Diversity is Your Superpower. You never know where new acquaintances will lead you. Don't just network with people with similar interests. Embrace diverse perspectives and experiences. This broadens your horizons, ignites creativity, and fosters innovation. Engage with individuals beyond your immediate industry or location, fostering cross-disciplinary connections. Participate in varied communities and events to enrich your network with diverse insights and opportunities.

I have always found peak bodies or associations are great ways to network with likeminded professionals. Research your peak body and get involved with their governance, meetings and events.