Professional networks are valuable sources of information, support, and opportunities for business relationship managers (BRMs). They can help you expand your knowledge, skills, and contacts, as well as enhance your reputation and credibility. But how can you find and join relevant professional networks that match your goals, interests, and needs? Here are some tips to help you.
Before you start searching for professional networks, you need to have a clear idea of what you want to achieve from them. Do you want to learn new trends, best practices, or tools? Do you want to find mentors, peers, or partners? Do you want to showcase your expertise, projects, or achievements? Do you want to explore new opportunities, challenges, or markets? Your objectives will guide you to choose the most suitable networks for you.
To find and join relevant professional networks: Create a detailed LinkedIn profile and join industry-specific groups. Participate in forums related to your profession or industry. Attend conferences, workshops, and networking events. Join associations related to your field Engage in relevant online courses Remember to actively participate, share insights, and build relationships to make the most of these networks.
This is at important first steps. Different professional network exist for different purpose and we need to first ask ourselves what's our objectives and purpose to join such network, whether it is for learning, business or just being part of an organization/network. We have to be clear and specific about the outcome, and this will serve as a guide to help us choose the relevant network among the many that's available out there.
Identify and join relevant professional networks by leveraging online platforms like LinkedIn or industry-specific forums. Attend conferences, seminars, and local events related to your field. Engage with industry associations and explore memberships. Seek recommendations from colleagues and mentors. Participate actively in discussions, share insights, and contribute value to build meaningful connections within these networks.
To identify and joining relevant professional networks is crucial for career growth and development. One effective method is to explore online platforms like LinkedIn, where you can join groups tailored to your industry. These groups offer resources, networking opportunities, and industry insights. Attending industry events and conferences allows you to connect with like-minded professionals in person. Joining trade associations provides access to exclusive events and resources. Engaging in online forums, alumni networks, and social media platforms also enables you to connect with professionals and stay updated on industry trends. By participating in these networks, you can expand your circle, gain insights, and advance your career.
There are many types of professional networks, such as associations, clubs, forums, groups, communities, events, and platforms. They can be local, regional, national, or global. They can be general, niche, or industry-specific. They can be formal, informal, or hybrid. They can have different formats, rules, and cultures. To find the ones that match your objectives, you need to do some research. You can use online tools, such as search engines, social media, directories, and databases, to discover and compare different networks. You can also ask for recommendations from your colleagues, clients, suppliers, or mentors.
Doing research to see what network to join will take some time and effort. There's a ton of such network out there, and one can do online and offline research. For online, one can refer to social media, search engine, forums for recommendation, and thereafter do further due diligence diligence check if the network align to their objective and purpose An alternative would be offline method, attending previews session or asking around for recommendation. Recommendation from trusted sources would be better and preferred.
My best choices here are: 1. Online research (Google it!) 2. Linkedin Groups 3. Industry Events (2 last years showed the best is to approach the person directly) 4. Associations, divided by Industry / Sector or Region 5. Alumni networks
Once you have a list of potential networks, you need to evaluate how well they fit your objectives, interests, and needs. You can do this by checking their websites, social media pages, newsletters, blogs, podcasts, or webinars. You can also attend their events, workshops, or meetings as a guest or a trial member. You can also contact their organizers, leaders, or members to ask questions or request feedback. You should look for networks that offer relevant content, activities, and benefits; that have a diverse, active, and supportive membership; and that have a positive, respectful, and professional atmosphere.
After you have selected the networks that you want to join, you need to follow their registration process and pay any fees or dues if required. You also need to complete your profile, introduce yourself, and familiarize yourself with their policies and guidelines. But joining is not enough; you also need to participate actively and regularly. You can do this by attending their events, workshops, or meetings; by contributing to their discussions, projects, or initiatives; by sharing your insights, resources, or referrals; and by building rapport and trust with their organizers, leaders, and members.
Finally, you need to review and renew your professional networks periodically. You need to assess how well they are meeting your objectives, interests, and needs; how much value they are adding to your BRM role and career; and how much value you are adding to them. You also need to update your profile, goals, and preferences; and explore new ways to engage and collaborate with your network contacts. You may also need to leave some networks that are no longer relevant, useful, or enjoyable; and join some new networks that offer new opportunities, challenges, or perspectives.
I think we can use the ART points to identify and join professional network: A: Ask ourselves our objective and purpose of joining these professional network and be specific about them R: Research and be on the look out for such network which are in line with out purpose/outcome/objective by asking around, browsing online and offline T: Turn up and join for events/sessions at this professional network, and be there to learn, network and contribute