Aside from money, a strong social currency can put you miles ahead in life. One key way to increase the value of that currency is to have a strong network. Knowing people who know you is a major key to setting yourself up for success – it gives you an upper hand over opportunities you otherwise wouldn’t have and also helps you climb up the career ladder faster. The importance of networking can never be overstated. Here are eight key tips to build a strong network;
Make a Plan
Building a great network is an act that requires planning just like anything else.
You need to figure out which areas in your life you want to get to meet people. Is it at events, social media, people in your field of work? Etc. Once you establish this, decide how often you want to discover new people and make a conscious attempt to work towards that.
Further make a plan that clearly defines how frequently you would want to check in on your networks to keep the connection going.
Have a workable introduction
When introducing yourself to someone for the first time, it is important to put your best foot forward. The only reason someone would want to know more about you is when your introduction is interesting enough.
Put forth an introduction that captures you best. This is not to encourage you to boast of all your qualifications or accomplishments in a single breath – let your introduction make you seem like the catch without coming off as proud.
Make a conscious effort to know people
Just introducing yourself is not enough. To have a reliable network, you must go the extra mile to know people. Ask what they do and have a genuine interest in knowing.
Find a common ground or a shared interest and strike a conversation along those lines. People are likely to remember you more when they feel they have something in common with you.
Remember People’s Names
The most likeable people are those who remember others’ names. It shows a sense of genuineness. Making a mental effort to remember people’s names and addressing them by it is one of the key tips to build a strong network. They will feel more important and like you better.
Establish boundaries
There is an extent to which you should know people. Not everyone you network with has to become your close friend.
You do not need to follow your professional networks on Instagram or add them on Facebook. Keep the professional networks exclusively professional.
Do not intrude so much in their lives and do not have anyone tread grounds you would rather keep personal.
Make Frequent Deposits
Do not wait till you need people before you reach out. Just like saving money towards a rainy day, you need to make frequent deposits into your networks.
Occasionally send a ‘checking up’ text, email or call. Send cards on their birthdays when you can and ‘thank you’ notes when they do something for you. The key is to stay at the forefront of their contacts.
Be easily remembered so when you call on them or an opportunity arises, they would not hesitate to consider you.
Never Consider Anyone Unimportant
It is easy to dismiss people as not fit for your network because they are either not of good social standing or they do not have anything you think you might need. Get to know them regardless.
You would be surprised a day might come when they are the only ones with the key to what you need. Every single person you come across has something to offer. Dismiss no one.
Be a Valuable Contact to Have
Just as you want to have a reliable network to fall on, remember others want the same. Constantly try to be a valuable contact by improving yourself.
Perfect your communication skills, build your charisma, get confident, get better at your career path or chosen field.
When you constantly strive to become better, you will require little effort to sustain your networks because others would want to put in the work to have you in their circle.
