Do you want to build a strong network?
Having a strong network is key if you want to achieve success in work or business. Your network impacts the advice you receive, the wider network of people you can access and the opportunities that come your way. If you are serious about being successful, then you should be serious about building a strong network. Keep on reading to find out 6 ways to build a strong network.
6 WAYS TO BUILD A STRONG NETWORK
1. Find a networking style that works for you and stick to it
When most people think of networking the first thing that pops in their mind is going to networking events where you have a warm glass of wine and people are selling themselves and frantically handing out business cards. That type of networking still happens, but there are so many other options. If you are determined to build a strong network, you need to find a networking style that works for you and then make sure you are consistent.
You may find a number of networking events that you like and commit to attending the events on a regular basis or you may decide you prefer networking virtually and put time in your diary each week to connect with new people. You can find out more about how to network virtually here.
2. Actively look to increase the diversity of your network
It’s very common for a person to have a network that is similar to them. This could be anything from your network being filled with people from a similar industry to people being a similar age, class or ethnicity. Whilst there is nothing wrong with that if you want to create a strong network then you should definitely look to increase the diversity of your network. A more diverse network will not only increase the likelihood of you being exposed to different types of conversations and opportunities, but it also allows you to increase the range of people who are only separated by one degree, which becomes very valuable when you are looking to be introduced to people.
3. Ask your current network to introduce you to other people
Obviously, you can build your network all of your own back and be out there hustling and one-by-one growing your network. However, you don’t have to do it all alone. You can ask people in your current network to introduce you to others. This is especially powerful if the person you are trying to get in touch with is a busy/powerful/important person. Whilst they might ignore unsolicited communication they are more likely to talk to someone who has been introduced to them by someone else in their network.
4. Connect people in your network with other people
A great way to build a strong network is to be valuable to people in your network. Now you might have a skill or expertise that is valuable to your network, but another way you can be valuable is by connecting people in your network together. Sometimes this might be as simple as when someone asks if you know someone who does X you taking a bit of time to really think about if you know someone suitable and then connecting both parties. Other times you might need to be a bit more proactive. Maybe someone says something in a conversation, and you have a lightbulb moment where you think another person in your network would be interested to learn more or might even be able to help. Tell that individual there and then that you know someone and would like to be introduced. The likelihood is that the individual will really appreciate your proactiveness. As time goes by you’ll be classed as a great connector and people will come to you even when they know you might not be able to help directly but can possibly help indirectly through connecting them to someone else.
5. Aim to be as helpful as possible to your current network
I just mentioned how one way to build a strong network is by connecting people in your network together. A strong network isn’t just about growing your network but nurturing the network you have. That is why you should always be looking for opportunities to be as helpful as you can with people who are currently in your network. Being helpful will help you to be classed as a “good” person in someone’s network, which increases the likelihood of them helping you when necessary, as well as being a valuable person in their network to recommend to others.
6. Make sure you follow up.
It is easier than ever before to connect with people. The internet has meant you can potentially contact people who historically you would never have been able to. In just a minute you can send an unsolicited message. This may or may not get a response. However, even if you get a response and start a conversation there is a big difference between having a conversation with someone and having that person in your network. The way you turn a stranger you spoke to once into an acquaintance, or friend, is by following up and getting to understand them better. If you are serious about building a strong network then you need to concentrate on expanding the people you are in contact with, but also ensure you build on the initial contact. Follow up is key.
There you have it. You now know 6 ways to build a strong network.
I’m a big believer that if you want to be successful you need to be actively growing your network and since I want you to be successful I want you to actually act on this advice.
Let me know in the comments one thing you are going to concentrate on over the next few weeks to help build a strong network.
