How can you use professional development to expand your network?

1 Choose relevant and reputable sources

When you look for professional development opportunities, you want to make sure that they are relevant to your goals, interests, and industry. You also want to choose sources that are reputable, credible, and recognized by your peers and employers. This way, you can ensure that you are learning from the best and that you are adding value to your resume and portfolio. You can also increase your chances of meeting people who share your passion and vision, and who can offer you support, feedback, and referrals.

3 Showcase your work and achievements

Another way to use professional development to expand your network is to showcase your work and achievements. You can do this by creating a portfolio, a blog, a podcast, or a social media profile that showcases your projects, certificates, testimonials, and awards. You can also share your work and achievements with your existing network, such as your colleagues, clients, friends, and family, and ask them to spread the word. By showcasing your work and achievements, you can demonstrate your expertise, credibility, and value, and attract the attention of potential collaborators, partners, and employers.

4 Join online communities and groups

Online communities and groups are excellent places to find professional development opportunities and to expand your network. You can join online communities and groups that are related to your field, industry, niche, or interest, and that offer e-learning resources, events, challenges, and support. You can also join online communities and groups that are hosted by the sources of your professional development, such as the course providers, the instructors, or the speakers. By joining online communities and groups, you can access more information, opportunities, and connections, and become part of a larger network.

5 Seek mentorship and guidance

Professional development is not only about learning new skills and knowledge, but also about learning from others who have more experience and wisdom. You can use professional development to seek mentorship and guidance from experts, leaders, or role models in your field. You can do this by reaching out to them via email, social media, or online platforms, and asking them for advice, feedback, or recommendations. You can also offer your help, gratitude, or value in return, and show that you are respectful, humble, and eager to learn. By seeking mentorship and guidance, you can benefit from their insights, expertise, and network, and grow as a professional.

6 Keep in touch and follow up

The last step to use professional development to expand your network is to keep in touch and follow up with the people you meet. You don't want to lose contact with them after the professional development opportunity is over. You want to maintain and nurture the relationship, and make it meaningful and lasting. You can do this by sending them a thank you note, a congratulation message, a birthday wish, or a relevant article. You can also invite them to join your online communities and groups, or to collaborate on a project. By keeping in touch and following up, you can show your interest, appreciation, and reliability, and strengthen your network.