Moving to a new city can be exciting, but also challenging. Especially if you don't know anyone and want to advance your career. How can you build a professional network from scratch and leverage it for salary negotiations? Here are some tips to help you out.
Before you start networking, you need to have a clear idea of what you want to achieve. Do you want to find a new job, switch careers, learn new skills, or meet mentors? Having specific and realistic goals will help you focus your efforts and target the right people and events. Write down your goals and review them regularly to track your progress and adjust your strategy.
Making a professional network from scratch in a new city takes effort and planning. Start by attending networking events and joining professional groups related to your field. Use online platforms like LinkedIn to connect with people and participate in industry discussions. Consider volunteering or attending social events to meet new people. Reach out to professionals for informational interviews to learn from their experiences. Stay active and engaged in conversations, and be open to meeting people from different backgrounds. Building a network takes time, but it can lead to new opportunities and friendships in your new city.
Understanding your professional objectives is paramount when you're new in town aiming to build a network. It's not just about having goals, but delving into the nuances of what you seek. Are you aiming for broader industry connections, or are you more interested in niche areas of expertise? Consider the scale and scope of your ambitions. Do you want to enhance your local presence, or are you looking at the global stage? Reflect deeply on these aspects to craft a networking strategy that aligns with your professional aspirations, ensuring every interaction is a step towards your ultimate career vision.
Once you have your goals in mind, you need to do some homework on the local scene. Find out which industries, companies, and roles are in demand in your city. Look for relevant online and offline communities, groups, and platforms where you can connect with like-minded professionals. Use social media, blogs, podcasts, newsletters, and websites to learn about the latest trends, opportunities, and events in your field.
Dig into industry-specific forums and LinkedIn groups tailored to your city or region to gain insights into the professional landscape. Engage with local thought leaders and influencers on platforms like X to stay abreast of discussions and developments. Attend virtual webinars and workshops to enhance your knowledge and visibility. Explore local job boards and company websites for opportunities and to understand the skills in demand. This targeted approach helps you tailor your networking efforts and conversations, making them more relevant and impactful.
One of the best ways to build your network is to attend events that match your interests and goals. These could be workshops, seminars, webinars, conferences, meetups, or social gatherings. Look for events that offer value, such as learning, networking, or exposure. Prepare your elevator pitch, business cards, and resume. Be friendly, confident, and curious. Ask questions, listen, and exchange contact information. After the event, follow up with the people you met and express your appreciation, interest, or feedback.
1 Million Cups is an entrepreneurial group that is nationwide and free to attend. It's a great place to network and hear from people passionate about their big ideas. Remember that there is a process to networking: They have to know you, then like you, then trust you. If you're looking for work, don't expect them to trust you enough to recommend you if they don't even know you. Keep engaging and hold out for your ask until you have developed trust.
When attending actual events, focus on engagement and strategic networking. Start by setting clear objectives for what you want to achieve, such as meeting potential mentors, industry peers, or learning about new trends. Research the event beforehand to identify key speakers, workshops, and participants you want to connect with. This preparation enables you to craft thoughtful questions and contribute to conversations more effectively. At the event, balance between listening and speaking. Show genuine interest in others' work and share your insights when relevant. Such exchanges often lead to deeper conversations and potential collaborations. Utilize breaks and social hours to initiate conversations in a more relaxed setting.
Networking is not just about collecting contacts. It's about building relationships based on trust, respect, and mutual benefit. To do that, you need to offer value and ask for help. Value can be anything that helps the other person, such as information, advice, referrals, introductions, or endorsements. Help can be anything that you need from the other person, such as guidance, feedback, recommendations, or opportunities. Be generous, genuine, and respectful when you offer value and ask for help.
Building your network is not enough. You need to nurture it and keep it alive. That means staying in touch, providing updates, sharing news, celebrating achievements, and showing support. Use various channels, such as email, phone, social media, or face-to-face meetings, to communicate with your network. Be consistent, relevant, and personal. Don't spam, ghost, or flatter your network. Treat them as human beings, not as transactions.
Your network can be a powerful asset when it comes to salary negotiations. Your network can provide you with information, insights, referrals, and testimonials that can help you negotiate better. Use your network to research the market rate, the company culture, and the decision-makers. Use your network to showcase your value, credibility, and reputation. Use your network to explore alternatives, create options, and influence outcomes. Your network can help you get paid what you deserve.