How can you build a network from scratch in Digital Strategy?

In Uganda we have a norm that goes like "i know someone that knows someone"Once you know who u want to connect to - start networking with everyone especially in communities like church , social buddy groups, communities. Those people certainly know someone that you need - and the other people also know someone . So sharpen your networking skills, look the part( organise your socials- put your digital house in order ,look attractive ) and get started!

Define your networking endgame. Seeking a mentor or a business opportunity? Eyeing skill acquisition or industry wisdom? Your goal isn't just a box to tick; it's the compass guiding your networking journey. Target your audience with this in mind, sculpt your outreach, and benchmark your success. Remember, in the networking arena, clarity isn't just king, it's the entire kingdom.

Setting clear goals is crucial when initiating networking efforts. Clearly define your objectives—whether it's finding a mentor, securing clients, or exploring job opportunities. Having a specific purpose not only guides your interactions but also allows you to tailor your approach and measure success. Whether seeking skill development, feedback, or referrals, a targeted goal streamlines your networking strategy, ensuring meaningful connections.

Having a strategy is essential in all parts of business including building a network. Is the goal to find people to learn from, or in a certain industry or role, help you find a job, are peers or leaders? Starting with a narrow focus will help you connect thoughtfully and identify where best to find these individuals.

Understanding your audience is paramount in achieving any goal. This insightful post highlights the importance of researching through diverse platforms like online forums, industry events, and social media to identify key players in digital strategy. By delving into their experiences, challenges, and values, one can personalize communication effectively.

With your goal set, hunt for your key players. Scour online hubs, industry meetups, thought-leading publications, and vibrant social networks. Zoom in on individuals with a track record in digital strategy, those who breathe relevance and expertise. Analyze their interests, obstacles, triumphs, and ethics. This intel isn't just data; it's your toolkit for crafting messages that resonate, forging connections that aren't just contacts, but potential catalysts for your ambition. Personalization isn't a nicety, it's a necessity.

Prior to reaching out cold to someone, it is important to know something about the person! You can research on LinkedIn, company or school alumni associations in industry associations, social media, blogs, magazines or ask your existing connections who they might know and something about them.

Identify relevant influencers willing to contribute to the creation of your network. They will be critical to enhance your reach and credibility.

Begin by defining your goals and identifying your target audience. Use social media platforms, professional networking sites, and email outreach to connect with relevant individuals and groups. Share valuable content, insights, and engage in conversations to establish credibility and build relationships. For instance, imagine you're starting a digital marketing consultancy. Create a LinkedIn profile highlighting your expertise and start connecting with professionals in the marketing industry. Join relevant groups and participate in discussions, sharing your knowledge. Use Twitter to follow and interact with key influencers and potential clients. Share blog posts and insightful comments to showcase your expertise.

To reach out to someone, find something in common or share a relevant point with them. For example, if they provide content you can share what you liked about a recent post or article. If you have a common connection you can share that whether it be a person, company or school. Many people don't like receiving cold messages because they feel they are being sold to and no one likes that. Highlight the reason for your contact and how you are not trying to sell them anything!

Initiate with a brief introduction, elucidating the purpose behind your outreach and stating your goal. Resist the temptation to immediately seek favors or pitch your services. Instead, prioritize providing value. Offer a resource, pay a compliment, or pose an insightful question. It's not just about making a connection; it's about fostering a meaningful exchange.

Craft personalized messages highlighting shared interests or common goals. Engage in discussions in a meaningful way. Follow up.

Post-first contact, it's all about engagement and follow-up. This isn't just upkeep; it's trust-building. Be the person who sends a thank-you note, comments insightfully on posts, amplifies their content, extends event invites, and seeks genuine feedback. Use these tools not as a checklist, but as a strategy to be authentic, relevant, and regular in your interactions. Avoid the cardinal sins of networking: spamming and ghosting. Demonstrate genuine interest and investment in each relationship. Remember, in the digital networking game, consistency is your currency.

After you send an initial contact, you will need to find a way to stay in touch such as sending an article, book, thank you note, item of interest that will benefit your new connection. Engage with their content, remember an upcoming event mentioned and check in on how it went. Building relationships is not just about you; it's about the other person and how you can find common interests that support each other.

Ensure timely responses, share updates and offer assistance. Make sure you maintain a consistent and positive presence. Extend the connections to social platforms for additional engagement opportunities.

I've discovered that the growth of your network is more than just numbers; it's about expanding and diversifying its tapestry. Expertise lies not just in knowing but in the art of seeking, so actively solicit introductions, referrals, and recommendations from your existing connections. In my journey, I've found richness in joining online communities, forums, and courses dedicated to digital strategy. Offline events like meetups, conferences, and hackathons have added depth to my understanding. The key, I've learned, is to embrace an open mind, nurture curiosity, and be proactive.

Quality over quantity wins when it comes to relationships. Some people will be ok with frequent touch points while others it might be a few times a year. Ask the person how can you help them? What would be valuable to them and then follow through and do it! Send holiday and birthday cards, anniversary notes, job congrats, thoughtful articles and be genuine about it. The more you listen, engage, and reach out the more a relationship based on trust and value will be created.

In order to create network, there's one simple thing you should always maintain, communicate! The better you can do this thing with your group, the stronger and bigger it will be. You should be listening all of their issues, their painpoint, whenever you are reliable to them, you already building a stronger network!

Consider collaborative projects and recognition mechanisms. It would be great if you could integrate surprise gestures, like sharing articles, books and relevant resources. Share positive experiences or testimonials from others to build credibility.

Investing in your self as a personal brand , from your knowledge, the way you look and the emotion you drive when you show up to a new connection , better personal brands are taken more seriously with new connections vs those that don't put in the work.