You're aiming to progress in process automation. How can you strategically build your professional network?

Network, network, network. Use your social platform to build connections. I regularly reach out to people to say "As a fellow automation professional, I'd like to connect and see how we could work together in the future". Not pitching anything, not trying to sell anything, just extending my network. Have an opinion. Create articles, comment and have an view on topics (contentious or obvious. Just have one). This will make people see you as either a sounding board or a source of knowledge. Never turn down a conversation on a new role, always entertain a conversation about something new. There is no harm in both understanding what you are potentially worth in the market and testing what your next role could be.

Below are few tips on growing your network: Attend Industry Conferences and Events: Participate in relevant conferences, seminars, and workshops to meet industry experts and peers. Join Professional Associations: Become a member of process automation or engineering associations to connect with like-minded professionals. Engage on LinkedIn: Actively participate in discussions, share insights, and connect with professionals in process automation on LinkedIn. Seek Mentorship: Find a mentor within the industry who can offer guidance and introduce you to key contacts. Collaborate on Projects: Volunteer for cross-functional projects to build relationships within and outside your organization.

To strategically build your professional network in process automation, start by identifying key industry events, conferences, and webinars where you can connect with experts and peers. Actively engage in online communities and forums dedicated to automation, sharing insights and participating in discussions. Leverage LinkedIn to connect with professionals in your field—comment on their posts, share relevant content, and join automation-focused groups. Additionally, seek out mentors who can offer guidance and introduce you to influential contacts. Building genuine relationships and staying active in your network will open doors for collaboration and career growth. #Networking #CareerDevelopment

Look for professionals who share similar interests and expertise in process automation. Attend industry conferences, webinars, and workshops to meet like-minded individuals. Join online forums, LinkedIn groups, and professional associations focused on automation. Also, Engage actively with your peers. Participate in discussions, share your knowledge, and seek advice. Offer to collaborate on projects or research to build meaningful connections. Don't hesitate to reach out to potential mentors who can provide guidance and insights based on their experience.

Connect with professionals who have proven expertise in automation (those with real project experience). Attend conferences, workshops, online forums, professional associations, and make use of professional networks (such as LinkedIn). Additionally, consider sharing your insights and engaging in discussions on these platforms. Strategic networking enables the exchange of best practices, continuous learning, and collaborations that can add value to your work and objectives.

Show that you can engage the experts on their level. I enjoy enabling and educating people that are not aware of the whole industry, but I also recognise when I am either informing or learning. When I engage with Industry leaders you have to show you at least know the basics, have an opinion and also have a vision beyond what is going on today. Experts love the future and things that haven't happened yet. They don't like history lessons (They already know it).

Attend industry events, conferences, and webinars related to process automation. These events are excellent opportunities to meet and connect with professionals who share your interests. Whether in-person or virtual, make the most of these events by networking with speakers, panelists, and attendees. Follow up with new connections after the event to keep the conversation going and explore potential collaborations.

Join professional groups and associations focused on process automation. These groups, whether on LinkedIn or other platforms, provide a space to connect with like-minded professionals, participate in discussions, and access exclusive content. Being active in these groups helps you build relationships, stay updated on industry trends, and establish yourself as a knowledgeable and engaged member of the community.

Once you start offering value and create content that your peers enjoy, you can grow into relationships quite quickly. Share cool articles, new insights or learnings from your earlier automations. Share content that helps everybody and soon you will notice them following you. Remember, it's not all about you. Help others without expecting anything back. What goes around comes around. Be the go-to person for process automation know-how. But don't be a show-off. Nobody likes a know-it-all. Then, build genuine connections, not just a collection of LinkedIn contacts you never talk to. Invest time in getting to know your connections, without trying to sell them something.

Building a network is just the beginning—nurturing those relationships over time is key. Regularly stay in touch with your connections through LinkedIn, email, or occasional meetups. Share updates on your work, comment on their achievements, and offer help when you can. Staying connected keeps your relationships strong and ensures that you remain top of mind when opportunities arise. Authenticity is crucial in networking. Approach connections with genuine interest and a willingness to build long-term relationships, rather than simply seeking immediate benefits.