How can you maintain and grow your professional network?

By immersing myself in the industries and markets of my target audiences by becoming involved with and meeting members of the industry and professional associations, online communities, publications and podcasts of the decision-makers/buyers that I both currently serve and seek to serve. The key to B2B Go to Market is to "live in the market" of your target buyers

Begin by identifying what you hope to achieve through your networking efforts. Are you looking for new opportunities, seeking mentors or wanting to gain industry insights? Having clear objectives helps you target the right people and events, making your networking efforts more focussed and effective. For instance, if you are aiming to transition into a new industry, you might focus on connecting with professionals already working in that field.

Two of the very best goals for professional network growth are (1) What do I have to share? and (2) What do I hope to learn? Hit the like button if you agree.

There are definitely many more ways to build a network today. Join communities such as Slack in your relevant CX field to learn from others. You can learn so much by just reading and absorbing, as well as asking questions to others who are either peers or experts in the same space.

Leverage a variety of platforms to expand your network. This includes professional networking sites like Linkedin, industry specific forums and social media platforms. Attend webinars, workshops and conferences related to your field. Online channels can be specially useful for initial introductions, but nothing beats the personal connection made through face-to-face interactions. Therefore, a balanced approach using both digital and physical networking avenues can yield the best results.

Networking is not just about what you can gain, but also what you can offer. Share your knowledge, resources or connections with others. This could be as simple as offering insightful comments on a Linkedin post, participating in group discussions or introducing two contacts who can benefit from knowing each other. When you provide value to others, they are more likely to remember you and reciprocate when an opportunity rises.

Providing value is one of the very best ways to grow your professional network... and you may make some great friends along the way! Drop the WIFM approach!

It's important to have a strong network of contacts. Your network can help you find jobs, get advice, and learn about new opportunities. One of the most important things you can do to maintain and grow your network is to follow up and follow through. This means staying in touch with your contacts and being reliable. By following up and following through, you can show your contacts that you're a valuable asset to their network. This can lead to new opportunities, professional development, and lifelong friendships.

After meeting someone new, follow up with a personalized message or email expressing your gratitude for their time and reiterating any key points or mutual interests discussed. If you promised to share a resource or make an introduction, do so promptly. Consistent follow-up demonstrates your reliability and keeps the connection alive.

Authenticity builds trust and lasting relationships. Be genuine in your interactions and show genuine interest in other's work and achievements. Respect their time and boundaries, don't approach networking with a purely transactional mindset. People are more inclined to engage with and help those they find sincere and respectful.

Simply put, aspire to be someone that you would want to network with. Show up, add value, be supportive, and always do what you say you will do. There are many ways to make yourself useful and memorable to others, even if you are just starting out.

Tanto en eventos presenciales como en interacciones online, la calidad de las conexiones supera a la cantidad. Es más valioso y fructífero dedicar tiempo a una conversación profunda e interesada con una persona que intercambiar superficialidades con muchas. Esta profundidad crea relaciones significativas, abre puertas a colaboraciones genuinas y fomenta un entendimiento mutuo. En el ámbito digital, aplicar esta filosofía implica optar por interacciones personalizadas en lugar de mensajes genéricos masivos. Un comentario bien pensado o un mensaje directo que aborde una necesidad específica o que contribuya al conocimiento de alguien es mucho más efectivo y memorable que un spam indiscriminado a miles.