Here's how you can use networking to propel your career forward.

Using networking to propel your career forward is like being the protagonist in a spy movie – but with LinkedIn instead of a license to kill. Start by gathering intel: who are the key players in your industry? Send those connection requests like secret messages. Engage in conversations as if you’re exchanging classified information – but without the risk of getting caught. Attend virtual events and be the life of the (Zoom) party. Remember, every handshake (even virtual ones) is a clue leading to your next big break. So, don your best digital tuxedo, and let your charm and wit open doors James Bond-style. #CareerSpy #NetworkingNinja #LinkedInLegend #CareerHacks

Optimizing your LinkedIn profile is essential for networking. You want to make sure that your title is clear and easy to understand. Do not write more than 2-3 definitions of what you do. If you are looking for a job, you want to use your title , if you are building a business you want a simple sentence that tells people what you do. Don't get into the trap of trying too hard or sounding like a corporation. Be human, simple and authentic. That is the secret sauce!

Se manter presente digitalmente com insights e provoca??es sobre a área incomum e assim contribuir com a sua conex?o de maneira produtiva e eficaz.

Networking is a two-way street. Stay engaged to make your network work for you. It's not just about collecting contacts; it's about nurturing relationships. Think of it like tending a garden. You can't just plant seeds and expect a bountiful harvest without consistent care. This means more than just an occasional "like" on social media. Send a personalized note congratulating a contact on a new job or promotion. Better yet, set up a quick video chat to hear more about it. If someone in your network is struggling with a challenge you've faced, share your experience and offer solutions. The more you engage, the more you'll become a familiar face, someone people think of when opportunities arise.

Simple google search will pull up networking events and conferences near you. Go out and meet people and then ask them questions. By the time they're done telling you about themselves, they will be super intrigued about you! Don't ever ask anything of strangers from the get go. Always offer value and just tell them your story. When you are eager to help others, they can't help but want to help YOU.

Even if you feel like you have nothing to offer someone, you absolutely do! Sometimes listening to a new person can make them feel valuable and understood. Always ask how you can help them. What is the latest project they're working on? What are their goals and aspirations? These open ended questions drive the conversation and also give you insight as to how you can help them.

Following up is essential. If you build a connection, but don't nurture it, then it is not really a connection. Make it systematic. Check in with your connections 4-6 weeks. Take notes so that you remember who they are, what their family make up is , what their hobbies are. That way when you connect , they feel like you really took the time to get to know them.

I suggest don’t hesitate to connect with people from different levels, industries, or backgrounds. Meeting diverse professionals can give you new ideas and lead to surprising opportunities. For example, someone from another field might know of a job that suits your skills or introduce you to a helpful contact. Embracing a diverse network can be a major advantage in your career growth.

Eventualmente, todos necesitamos de todos. No sólo refiriéndonos a buscar ganancias o favores, sino que todos podemos aportar conocimientos, experiencias y motivación, incluso sin saberlo. Celebrar éxitos es también aprender del camino que se tomó para lograrse, sacar ideas y por qué no, mejorarlas, no con la idea de buscar ser mejor, sino contribuir en equipo, aportar.

It is also a good idea to know what you plan to achieve by networking. This way, you stay focused on your goals rather than waddling around, wasting a lot of time.

Always say yes to invitations. You never know where you will meet your next opportunity. When I was a child I attended a community center. They had a parent night that my mom did not want to go to, but I have convinced her. There she met a lady who referred her to a job she would have never gotten otherwise which opened up a whole new career path. Because she said yes to an event, she was able to run into a new opportunity!