You work remotely and want to grow your professional network. How can you build connections that last?

1 Know your goals

Before you start reaching out to potential contacts, you need to have a clear idea of what you want to achieve from your networking efforts. Do you want to learn new skills, find new opportunities, get feedback, or collaborate on projects? Having specific and realistic goals will help you narrow down your target audience, craft your message, and follow up accordingly.

2 Find relevant platforms

Depending on your industry, niche, and interests, there are different platforms where you can find and connect with like-minded professionals. These could be online communities, forums, blogs, podcasts, webinars, newsletters, or social media groups. Do some research and join the ones that are most relevant to your goals and values. Don't just lurk, but participate actively by sharing your insights, asking questions, and offering help.

3 Be genuine and respectful

When you reach out to someone, whether it's via email, LinkedIn, or another channel, make sure you are genuine and respectful. Don't just send a generic or spammy message, but personalize it with some details about who you are, why you are interested in them, and what value you can offer. Don't ask for favors or endorsements right away, but focus on building rapport and trust. And don't forget to follow up with a thank-you note or a feedback request.

4 Create and share valuable content

One of the best ways to showcase your expertise, attract attention, and start conversations is to create and share valuable content. This could be a blog post, a video, a podcast episode, a case study, a report, or a presentation. Whatever format you choose, make sure your content is relevant, informative, and engaging for your target audience. Share it on the platforms where they hang out, and invite them to comment, share, or contact you for more information.

5 Leverage your existing network

You don't have to start from scratch when it comes to networking. You can leverage your existing network of colleagues, clients, friends, or family to expand your reach and discover new opportunities. Ask them for introductions, referrals, or recommendations to people they know who might be interested in your work or offer something you need. You can also join or host virtual events, such as webinars, workshops, or meetups, where you can invite your contacts and meet new ones.

6 Keep in touch and nurture relationships

Networking is not a one-time event, but a long-term process. To build connections that last, you need to keep in touch and nurture your relationships with your contacts. Don't just disappear after the initial interaction, but follow up with relevant updates, resources, or invitations. You can also use tools like CRM software, email marketing, or social media to automate and personalize your communication. And don't forget to give back and support your contacts when they need it.

7 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?