How can you build and sustain a stats network?

1 Identify your goals

Before you start reaching out to other stats enthusiasts, you need to have a clear idea of what you want to achieve from your network. Do you want to improve your technical skills, get feedback on your work, explore new domains, or find a job? Your goals will guide you to the right people and platforms to connect with. Be specific and realistic about your expectations and interests.

2 Find your niche

Statistics is a broad and diverse discipline that covers many topics and applications. You can't possibly network with everyone who is involved in stats, so you need to narrow down your focus and find your niche. What are you passionate about? What are the current trends and challenges in your field? What are the gaps and opportunities in your knowledge and skills? By finding your niche, you can target your network to the people who share your vision and values.

3 Be active and visible

Networking is not a one-time event, but a continuous process that requires effort and engagement. You need to be active and visible in the stats community, both online and offline. You can join online forums, groups, blogs, podcasts, webinars, and courses that relate to your niche. You can also attend offline events, such as conferences, workshops, meetups, and hackathons, where you can meet and interact with other stats professionals. You can also showcase your work and expertise by creating a portfolio, writing articles, giving presentations, or contributing to open source projects.

4 Build relationships

Networking is not just about collecting contacts, but about building relationships. You need to be genuine, respectful, and helpful when you communicate with other stats enthusiasts. You need to show interest in their work and challenges, ask questions, offer feedback, and share resources. You also need to follow up and stay in touch with the people you meet, either by email, social media, or phone. You can also seek or offer mentorship, collaboration, or referral opportunities to deepen your connections.

5 Keep learning and growing

Networking is not only about what you can get from others, but also about what you can give and learn. You need to keep learning and growing as a stats professional, and use your network as a source of inspiration and support. You need to keep up with the latest developments and innovations in your field, and update your skills and knowledge accordingly. You also need to seek and accept feedback, challenges, and opportunities from your network, and share your insights and experiences with others.

6 Have fun and enjoy

Networking is not a chore, but a fun and enjoyable activity that can enrich your stats journey. You need to have fun and enjoy the process of meeting new people, learning new things, and discovering new possibilities. You need to be open-minded, curious, and enthusiastic about your network, and appreciate the diversity and value of each connection. You also need to celebrate your achievements and milestones, and acknowledge the contributions and support of your network.

7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?