How can you build a strong network outside your comfort zone?

1 Define your goals

Before you start networking, you need to have a clear idea of what you want to achieve. What are your professional and personal interests? What kind of people do you want to meet and why? How can you add value to them and vice versa? Having a specific and realistic goal can help you focus your efforts, identify the best opportunities, and measure your progress. For example, you might want to network with people who work in a certain industry, have a certain skill, or share a certain passion.

3 Prepare yourself

Once you have chosen your platforms, you need to prepare yourself for networking. This means creating a positive and professional impression, communicating effectively, and building rapport. You can do this by updating your profile, resume, portfolio, or website; researching your target audience, industry, or topic; preparing your elevator pitch, questions, or stories; and practicing your skills, such as listening, asking, or following up. By preparing yourself, you can increase your confidence, credibility, and competence.

4 Reach out and engage

Reaching out and engaging with potential contacts can be a daunting task, particularly for those who are shy, introverted, or nervous. To overcome these barriers, you can start by connecting with people you already know or have something in common with. You can also use warm introductions or referrals to help build trust. It's important to be genuine and show interest in the other person. Offer value, support, or feedback; ask for their opinions; and provide compliments. Additionally, follow up and stay in touch by sending thank-you notes, reminders, updates, or invitations to join your network. Doing so will help keep the conversation going and the relationship growing.

5 Expand and diversify

The final step is to expand and diversify your network. Reaching out to new and different people, exploring new platforms, and learning different things can broaden your horizons, open up new opportunities, and enrich your network. To do this, you can ask for introductions from existing contacts, join or create groups or projects, attend or host events or webinars, or learn or teach new skills. These strategies can help you access new circles, showcase your skills and passions, share your knowledge and expertise, improve your abilities, and gain new perspectives.

6 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?