14 Simple Strategies To Expand Your Network

A new year presents an opportunity to meet new people and strengthen connections. However, scouting out and making the right connections is often easier said than done, especially amid the past two years of the pandemic.

You don’t necessarily have to go to huge networking events to meet the right people though. In fact, taking just a few small steps can pay off big dividends.

Below, a panel of Forbes Business Council members shared 14 simple strategies to help you expand your professional network in 2022.

1. Show Interest In Your Communication Partner

The past two years have seen networking events almost disappear. We’ve forgotten how to build our circles and even what proper networking etiquette is. Making sure you’re engaging with the person you’re talking to and showing interest in the form of follow-up questions is an easy way to make an impression on somebody. People will appreciate the extra effort after the long layoff. – Reid Rubenstein, RefiJet

2. Make Customer Time A Priority

If you want to really know what is happening and be the best leader you can be, make customer time a priority. Making the time, not finding it, is a challenge. However, applying a significant portion of your time each week to directly interacting with clients, prospective users, recommenders and decision makers is the most informative, interesting and fun work you can have. – Kermit S Randa

3. Think Outside Your Country

Many events in the IT space are worth paying a visit like Collision in Canada, Rise in Hong Kong and WebSummit in Portugal. Other than that, the educational sector is also opening up. The best thing to do is to check if you have the suitable vaccine, book the ticket and fly to the new country to make the relevant connections. – Alexander Zheltov, Educate Online

4. Be Proactive On Social Networks

Creating content on social media is a key step for getting attention and engagement from potential clients and partners. The consumers of your content will appreciate that you are putting in the effort to develop meaningful content rather than blanketing your platform with a generic message. Also, Linkedin’s organic reach is now second to none! – Evan William Kirstel, eViRa

5. Start Conversations Online

Engage with your current network on LinkedIn. “Like” posts your connections share, comment on articles that engage you and share relevant content to your following and industry. By doing this, you expand your reach online and potentially start conversations with professionals you otherwise would not have known. In times where in-person networking may be unavailable, LinkedIn is a great tool to have. – Jeremy Ostermiller, Edison Interactive

6. Offer Your Help

Networking events can be difficult to navigate with many people out to pedal their own services and hand out their business cards. For me, the most effective way to positively network is to offer your help. If you can introduce someone and make a connection for them or offer your help in another way, you will leave a lasting, positive impression on them. Happy networking! – Iain Borner, The Data Privacy Group Ltd.

7. Update Your Profile

From my perspective, LinkedIn is the superhighway for networking. Consider your homepage like a billboard to the world. The first and best thing you can do is update your profile. Don’t forget to add a customized banner! Potentially engage a professional copyright editor or content creator to help you present your background in the best light, and consider adding thought-provoking content. – Adam Coffey, CEO Advisory Guru, LLC

8. Talk To Everyone

Talk to anybody and everybody you meet in every scenario. I’ve had an opportunity to make meaningful connections with people while waiting in line or sitting on an airplane. You never know who that person next to you could be—it might be your next client or investor. – Cindy Diffenderfer, Orion Haus Homes and Hotels Inc

9. Join Virtual Events

Although in-person conferences and events have been severely limited, you can still connect with others virtually! Joining professional associates or attending some of these virtual events can still provide you an opportunity to meet with like-minded people. – Beth Worthy, GMR Transcription Services, Inc

10. Make The Most Of LinkedIn

Complete your LinkedIn profile and share content. Sounds simple, huh? The majority of users have incomplete LinkedIn profiles, which gives a negative personal brand impression, and only 1% of people bother to share content. So if you want to strengthen your network and enhance your relationships, create, share and engage with content on LinkedIn. – Chris J “Mohawk” Reed, Black Marketing

11. Set Measurable Networking Goals

I believe in setting goals to track progress in all areas of business. Setting an intention to meet and build a meaningful connection with one new strategic contact a month can have a high return. – Muraly Srinarayanathas, Computek College

12. Revisit Your Current Network

The first step in your network strategy is to revisit your current network. A void has been left with contacts as Covid made many people reluctant to engage on a meaningful level, exacerbated by social distancing. Join webinars on topics of interest as that creates an instant and easy bond with fellow aficionados. In that way, you will both expand and retain your network. – Nuala Walsh, MindEquity

13. Reach Out To Potential Connections

Become active on LinkedIn. Sharing posts, joining groups or sending a message to someone you would like to connect with or admire is a strategic approach to expand your network. – Kelley Higney, Bug Bite Thing

14. Volunteer

Offer your time or skills towards a cause that you believe in, and you can expand your network with people who have the same values as you. In addition to giving back, it is also a great way to showcase your expertise and value in the community and a wonderful way to meet like-minded people. – Roshni Wijayasinha, Prosh Marketing

 

This article was originally posted here.



Leave a Reply