How to build networking

How to Network

There are really two parts to the “how to network” question: 1) where to find contacts to network with and 2) the “art” of approaching people to connect.

As for finding people to connect with, here are my top suggestions:

LinkedIn — Obviously this social media platform is made for networking. So take full advantage of it. I have found people to be very willing to connect even if you don’t know them that well. I review LinkedIn every day, keep my profile updated, and post/comment on pieces when appropriate (but not too much — maybe a couple times per week). Everyone I meet professionally I try to connect with on LinkedIn. So far I have accumulated over 1,700 connections and look to add more each week.
Work (inside and outside company) — You should be networking with fellow employees at all levels (above, below, and at same level as you). In addition, people you meet at work but are not part of the company (suppliers, sales reps, etc.) are also great sources for connections. I funnel all of these into LinkedIn.
Volunteering — I can’t list all the ways my career and personal life have been helped by the connections I’ve formed through volunteering. When you are working on a cause with someone, you are “in the trenches” together. And when a business opportunity or need comes up, you have a pre-developed relationship that makes asking for (and getting) help much, much easier.
Social networks/organizations — What groups do you belong to? I’ve networked at church, soccer meetings (I was a referee for years), and even at a neighborhood picnic for our housing association. I can’t tell you how many people I’ve connected with in the steam room at my health club. Wherever people are, you can network.
Alumni — Most people like and want to help others who went to the same school they attended. So connect with these people.
Friends and Family — Family kind of goes without saying, but friendships developed anywhere can have networking implications. I’ve made business connections at the pool (swim group), my son’s basketball games, and over at a neighbor’s party.