How can you build your Workplace Safety network?

1 Identify your goals

Before you start reaching out to people, think about what you want to achieve from your networking efforts. Do you want to find a mentor, a job, a project, or a partner? Do you want to learn more about a specific topic, trend, or challenge? Do you want to share your expertise, insights, or feedback? Having a clear purpose will help you target your network, craft your message, and follow up appropriately.

2 Research potential contacts

Once you have your goals in mind, you can start looking for potential contacts who can help you achieve them. You can use various sources to find people who share your interest in Workplace Safety, such as online platforms, professional associations, events, publications, or referrals. You can also leverage your existing network, such as colleagues, friends, alumni, or instructors, to ask for introductions or recommendations. When you research potential contacts, look for commonalities, such as background, experience, skills, or goals, that can help you establish rapport and relevance.

4 Build relationships

Networking is not a one-time transaction, but a long-term process of building relationships. To maintain and grow your network, you need to follow up and keep in touch with your contacts. You can do this by sending a thank-you note, providing feedback, sharing updates, asking for advice, offering help, or inviting them to events. You can also use social media to comment, like, or share their posts, or join groups or forums where they are active. The goal is to show your appreciation, interest, and value, and to create opportunities for further interaction.

5 Expand your network

As you build relationships with your contacts, you can also expand your network by asking for referrals or introductions to other people who can help you with your goals. You can also attend events, such as webinars, workshops, conferences, or meetups, where you can meet new people who are interested in Workplace Safety. You can also create your own events, such as online chats, podcasts, or blogs, where you can showcase your expertise and attract new contacts. The key is to be proactive, open, and generous.

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?