How can you expand your network and gain new perspectives?

1 Identify your goals

Before you start reaching out to people, you need to have a clear idea of what you want to achieve from networking and mentoring. Do you want to find a mentor who can guide you in your career path? Do you want to connect with peers who share your interests and challenges? Do you want to explore new fields or industries? Having specific and realistic goals will help you focus your efforts and find the right people to network with.

2 Research and prepare

Once you have your goals, you need to do some research and preparation to find potential contacts and mentors. You can use online platforms, such as LinkedIn, Meetup, or Eventbrite, to search for relevant events, groups, or profiles. You can also ask your existing network for referrals or introductions. Before you reach out, make sure you have a compelling reason to connect and a clear value proposition. What can you offer or learn from the other person? How can you help or support them? How can you make a good impression and start a conversation?

3 Be proactive and respectful

Networking and mentoring are not one-time events, but ongoing relationships that require effort and commitment. You need to be proactive and respectful in initiating and maintaining contact with your network and mentors. You can do this by following up after meetings or events, sending thank-you notes or feedback, sharing relevant information or resources, asking for advice or referrals, or offering help or support. You also need to respect the other person's time, boundaries, and preferences. Don't be pushy, spammy, or demanding. Be polite, flexible, and grateful.

4 Seek diversity and feedback

One of the benefits of networking and mentoring is that you can gain new perspectives and insights from different people. To do this, you need to seek diversity and feedback in your network and mentors. You can do this by reaching out to people from different backgrounds, industries, roles, or experiences. You can also ask for honest and constructive feedback on your skills, performance, or goals. This will help you learn from your strengths and weaknesses, challenge your assumptions, and improve your self-confidence.

5 Give back and reciprocate

Networking and mentoring are not only about taking, but also about giving. You need to give back and reciprocate to your network and mentors in order to build trust, rapport, and goodwill. You can do this by offering your skills, knowledge, or resources to help or support them. You can also acknowledge their contributions, celebrate their achievements, or recommend them to others. You can also become a mentor yourself and share your experience, wisdom, or guidance with someone who needs it.

6 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?