What do you do if your professional network needs expanding?

Networking is an open platform and should not be always restricted to reasons .Natural networking do give more results in terms of a long term bond . But professionally one should keep a reason behind networking which will help to reach the right crowd .Both off & online participation on various platform for networking will be beneficial . Online participate in discussions and put forth your opinions which shows your interest and proactiveness and offline presence makes you appearance go real .Do not associate all your activities to commercial level , participate in social work with a good gesture and purpose BE active , support and exchange views and accept as well can make you better in networking

To expand my professional network, I would actively engage in industry events, join relevant associations or groups, participate in online forums, and leverage social media platforms. Networking through informational interviews and seeking referrals also helps forge new connections and opportunities.

Expanding your professional network is essential for career growth and opportunities. Here are actionable steps to help you expand your professional network: - Define Your Goals - Optimize LinkedIn Profile - Attend Industry Events - Utilize Alumni Networks - Join Professional Groups - Participate in Webinars and Online Events - Build Relationships at Work - Build Network with Recruiters - Volunteer for Industry Associations - Utilize Social Media Strategically - Connect with Colleagues on Different Teams

établir un plan d’action Qualifiez vos relations Les réseaux sociaux pour accélérer le process Les associations d’entrepreneurs Ne restez pas centré sur vous Ne jouez pas un r?le Utiliser les réseaux d’anciens élèves Privilégiez les rencontres physiques aux virtuelles

Expanding my professional network begins with a thorough assessment of my needs and goals. I take time to reflect on the specific areas or industries I aim to connect with and why those connections are essential. Whether it's seeking mentors, collaborators, or potential clients, I pinpoint the types of relationships I require to advance professionally. By understanding my objectives, I can strategically prioritize networking opportunities that align with my aspirations, fostering meaningful connections that contribute to mutual growth and support in my career journey.

- Send out connection requests - Follow the ones that are doing well in your niche - Reach out for collaboration (workshops , live sessions, podcasts etc)

This platform is a prime example. Send out connections to those you want to connect with. Send over a personalised greeting, be human, have a conversation. Cut out the insincere copy and paste. Keep checking in on that profile and discuss any commonalities or interests.

In my experience its worth connecting with people you know and also getting comfortable meeting people and introducing yourself. -Use simple greetings to say hello -If you have a person in common— name it -Be open about just wanting to expand your network and say so -Help prompt the other people as to why you’re connecting— i.e. similar industry, business function, interests, etc.

Being based in Dubai for the past 14 years brings many advantages to expand your network. The cultural diversity representing the UAE society is a true melting pot that facilitates socializing with different cultures and backgrounds, that would be very difficult to find in one single place otherwise. When it comes to events, this diversity also brings a vibrant scene of in-person events to the extent that it becomes a true competition for organizers. My advice is to prepare the attendance in advance by scouting previous editions, profiles of speakers and attendants, research on the main topics and create the perfect environment for you to feel as much comfortable as possible during the networking. That will give you an advantage.

Having worked in Tokyo, Hong Kong, Singapore and traveled the world for business— getting to conferences, seminars, etc., is also a good way to share message and connect with similar minded people. It might be awkward to sit at that table by yourself, but remember that growth comes from discomfort. It’s where you learn the most and you just never know whom you might connect with that brings you insight, ideas, additional connections or job referrals.

Volunteering says much about your leadership skills and style. It is an almost risk-free environment where you can show attitude, commitment, drive, and your interest and level of command on different topics and it is always rewarding in different angles, new network, new learnings, new exposure and the feeling that you are doing something altruistic, for others to benefit. That creates impact around you. In my experience, it is one of the best ways to create a virtuous circle that brings value to you, your family and your community. It will also bring a multiplying factor through the influence to others. That is in the definition of true leadership.

In the age of social media it’s easy to fall into the “followers” trap. We get addicted to the dopamine rush we get when that number goes up. We add people to our network, but we don’t really connect with them in any deeply meaningful way. I fell into that trap. But I have changed that now. I am successfully meeting someone (either a new contact or some I have not been in touch for a while), either physically or virtually, about once per week. By the time the year is over I will have met or reconnected with over 50 people. In the end, I think our professional careers are not so much about the knowledge we gain, but about the meaningful connections we make with others. And the only way to move the needle there is to nurture them.

With the rise of platforms, I do believe, and hence I do advice to all my friends and mentees to spend time and resources to generate meaningful connections and to expand their network. This applies to individuals but also to companies: expanding the network, finding new channels/opportunities to do it, be selective but not always…, be adaptative, train and prepare yourself to do it naturally and be ready to share value with them as this is the best way to consolidate those new relationships. Never understimate the network effect and work on it, this is one of the only things that it is entirely under your control.

Here’s what else— building your network can happen anywhere— the grocery store, the coffee shop, the airport, the gym— pretty much anywhere. Sometimes when you least expect it— a new connection can really bring you value.

Volunteer for side projects and specialized teams at work, too! You can meet a lot of interesting people in a way that doesn’t feel like “networking,” and in which your skill sets can shine. Unlike traditional networking, where people have to take your elevator pitch at face value, in volunteer teams, people get to see what you’re made of for themselves, and it makes the relationships you build that much more valuable.

Be strategic in your networking efforts by setting specific goals and priorities for expanding your network. Focus on building genuine relationships based on mutual trust, respect, and shared interests rather than simply collecting contacts. Remember to follow up promptly, express gratitude for any assistance or connections received, and offer support to others in your network whenever possible.