What do you do if you want to build a strong professional network for future career opportunities?

There is no better time than NOW. I’ll help you, you need to find people who can help you. And, you needed to start yesterday. Since yesterday isn’t an option, now is the best choice today. Look for qualities you aspire to have in your life. If you see someone with those qualities, reach out. The easiest way to have them influence you is by placing them into your socials feed. I like to give prospective influencers a few months to see if their content continue to hit me - if it does, I reach out to them with a personal message and connection request. Same goes for real life relationships - these things take time, don’t try to rush it.

I've read somewhere that "your network is your net worth" and the earlier in your career you take on that mindset, the greater the potential of you growing a powerful network. I see that the advice is to be clear on what you need from your network... I would respectfully add here that you should be also clear on what you can give to your network too. It isn't a "winner takes all game", but instead a career long construction where you will need and be needed.

Find a way how will you add and give back to the network before figuring a way how they can elevate your career. If you and network develop mutual respect, a positive impact on the career is a given.

In "Assess Needs," part of strengthening a professional network is understanding what you genuinely require from it. From my experience in leadership development, a key step is identifying gaps in your knowledge, skills, and connections. Once identified, actively seek out individuals who not only fill these gaps but also challenge and inspire you to grow. A strategic approach involves more than just accumulating contacts - it's about building meaningful relationships with those who can influence your career trajectory positively. Ask yourself, "What unique perspectives am I missing, and who can provide them?" This targeted approach has been pivotal in my professional growth and continues to be so 20+ years on.

Considere as áreas em que deseja crescer, as habilidades que pretende adquirir ou os movimentos de carreira que está considerando. Compreender seus objetivos irá orientá-lo na busca por indivíduos e grupos que estejam alinhados com seus objetivos.

Words matter. Write to a 5th grade level. Not to insult anyone’s intelligence but just so that it is easy to consume. It’s easier to get behind something that everyone understands than to try to explain something complex.

When crafting your message be sure to steer clearly of asking for anything up front. The purpose is to build your network and this becomes very difficult when you become known as a person who only ever reaches out when they need something. I just finished reading a book by Matthew Pollard where he discusses crafting a unified message that helps generate interest in yourself without describing yourself by your functional abilities. Often times when we network we are asked what we do and it is all too easy to say our functional title. By developing a unique unified message that stays away from traditional functional titles we are more likely to get responses back asking more about it.

Hace unos a?os atras, un grupo de consultores espa?oles definieron un nuevo tipo de consultoría, que llamaron "Artesana". Se diferenciaba de la industrial, en que ella trabajaba con los recursos del cliente y no con productos pre elaborados. Una forma de agregar valor al cliente, es trabajar con él y colocar en el proceso, la experiencia y experticia del artesano. "Trabajar con los materiales que encuentra y colocar los tuyos en el proceso", es la declaración artesana. Me ha llamado la atención que este foro lo diga como "mensaje artesanal", o interpretando que, hecho justo a la medida, para alguien, en un momento determinado. Lo artesanal, entendido como hacer algo especial para el cliente. ?Hay líderes artesanos? ?Ustedes que piensan?

When it comes to building a strong professional network for future career opportunities, utilizing online platforms like LinkedIn can be incredibly helpful. By creating a detailed profile that highlights your experience, skills, and achievements, you can catch the attention of industry leaders, peers, and potential mentors. Engage with others on the platform by commenting on their posts and sharing articles relevant to your field. It's important to remember that online networking should be approached with the same etiquette and authenticity as in-person interactions. By staying true to yourself and being respectful of others, you can build a network that will serve you well throughout your career.

You get what you put in. Life is a numbers game. Those are popular, and outdated sayings. So let’s update them. Platforms love when you put in: you’ll get more when you give more. Platforms are a numbers game. The more you post, the less you ghost. The more hands you shake, the bigger difference you can make. Virtual handshakes are more powerful now than they have ever been. Connect to the right people and feeds and they will grow your knowledge, network, and ability to help the world.

leveraging online platforms like LinkedIn can be incredibly beneficial for building a strong professional network. These platforms provide opportunities to connect with professionals in your industry, join relevant groups and communities, share insights, and stay updated on industry trends. By utilizing such platforms strategically, you can expand your network, showcase your expertise, and uncover potential career opportunities.

Attending events such as industry conferences, seminars, and networking gatherings can be an effective way to meet professionals in person. These events will provide opportunities to engage with people who are also looking to expand their networks, which can make it less daunting to start a conversation. It is important to plan ahead before attending these events by researching the attendees or speakers you're interested in connecting with and preparing some talking points. After the event, follow up with your new contacts promptly to strengthen your connection and express your enthusiasm for staying in touch. For instance, you can send a friendly email or a LinkedIn message repeating your shared interests during event

Mandatory fun is what we used to call it. Until, we find our crowd. Then it is fun. The vibe is different in person. I love studio appearances, physical stages, and masterclasses because the in-person experience always solidifies great relationships. People generally come to these events ready to partner, team, and network - that is what makes it so powerful.

Las redes de networking que funcionan son aquellas que se basan en las personas más allá de los intereses. ?Te interesan a ti las relaciones que te das cuenta nada más empezar que la otra persona está intentando sacar u obtener algo de ti? Pues al resto del mundo le pasa lo mismo, que no le gusta. Si quieres construir tu red profesional, muéstrate, date a conocer, deja que el mundo te conozca. Comienza por dar y compartir. Conocimientos, oportunidades, ideas, lo que creas que puede ser útil a tu red. Pregunta, comprueba en qué posición estás. No es lo mismo enviar mensajes innumerables a quien no los lee que enviar dos a quien lo hace. Y emplea tu tiempo en ayudar para empezar. Esto te regalará una sólida red de contactos.

Giving is always better than receiving. The goal of building a strong network should include the desire to help more people. When you help people, your network gets stronger. And you get stronger with them. Everyone wins.

Giving back is crucial for career development as it: - expands your network - hones your skills through volunteering - boosts your reputation as a socially responsible professional - fosters personal growth and empathy - enhances job satisfaction - sets you apart from others in competitive job markets These experiences contribute significantly to your professional growth, opening doors to new opportunities and showcasing your values and interests beyond mere success.

Cultivating a robust professional network is akin to planting seeds of opportunity that will blossom into rewarding career possibilities.

Stay updated on industry trends, news, and events. This knowledge can help you start conversations and build relationships with professionals in your field.