What do you do if you want to connect with professionals across the hospitality industry?

1 Identify your goals

Before you start networking, you need to have a clear idea of what you want to achieve. Do you want to learn from experts, find mentors, explore new trends, or discover new possibilities? Your goals will help you focus your efforts and choose the right platforms, events, and contacts to connect with. Write down your specific and realistic goals and review them regularly to track your progress and adjust your strategy.

4 Join professional associations

Professional associations are organizations that represent and support the interests and standards of a specific sector or field in the hospitality industry. For example, you can join the International Hotel and Restaurant Association, the American Culinary Federation, or the World Travel and Tourism Council. By joining these associations, you can access exclusive resources, events, and networks that can help you advance your career. You can also volunteer for committees, projects, or initiatives that can showcase your skills and leadership.

5 Seek mentors and referrals

Mentors are experienced and trusted professionals who can guide you, advise you, and support you in your career development. Referrals are recommendations or introductions from people who know you and your work. Both mentors and referrals can help you expand your network and open new doors for you. To find mentors and referrals, you need to build trust and rapport with your existing contacts, such as colleagues, managers, clients, or suppliers. You also need to ask for feedback, express your interest, and show appreciation.

6 Be proactive and consistent

Networking is not a one-time activity, but a continuous process that requires time and effort. You need to be proactive and consistent in reaching out to new contacts, following up with existing ones, and providing value to your network. You can do this by sharing useful information, offering help, asking for advice, or inviting people to events. You also need to be flexible and adaptable to the changing needs and preferences of your contacts and the industry. Networking is a two-way street, so you need to give as much as you receive.

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?