Networking is essential for building your personal brand, but it can be challenging when you have a busy schedule. How can you make the most of your limited time and still connect with people who can help you grow your career and business? Here are some effective ways to network when you're busy.
Social media is a powerful tool for networking, but it can also be a time sink if you're not careful. To use social media strategically, you need to have a clear goal, target the right platforms, and engage with your audience. For example, you can use LinkedIn to showcase your expertise, share valuable content, and reach out to potential clients or collaborators. You can also use Twitter to join relevant conversations, follow influencers, and build relationships with your peers. The key is to be consistent, authentic, and helpful, and avoid spamming or selling.
The world has shifted. It's normal now to ignite new relationships on social media before meeting in person. More than showing yourself off, look for opportunities to network with people on a deeper level. Look for open doors to relate to others, to lift them up, and to amplify the work they're doing. Invite people to a virtual coffee to get to know each other. Pro Tip: send a gift card for them to buy a coffee. This is how you network. Make it about the people and the relationship, not about you, your success, and what you can get from them. If you're 'too busy' to network, don't. Simple. This world is more about who you know than what you know; relationships are crucial to success.
Leverage social media platforms purposefully. Focus on genuine engagement and relationship-building over quantity, ensuring every interaction aligns with your goals. Consistency and authenticity are key.
> attend events strategically - identify a few ideal events yearly aligned to goals > interact asynchronously through newsletters, blogs, and social media to build engagement & share knowledge > turn networking into mutual projects - coauthored articles, jointly hosted events, advisory boards > follow up consistently even if briefly With planning, boundaries, & creative multitasking, can still cultivate fruitful connections
Events are great opportunities to network face-to-face, but they can also be time-consuming and expensive. To attend selective events, you need to do some research, plan ahead, and follow up. For example, you can look for events that match your niche, goals, and interests, and register early to get discounts or access to VIP sessions. You can also prepare your elevator pitch, business cards, and questions, and practice your networking skills. After the event, you can send personalized messages, connect on social media, and schedule follow-up meetings with the people you met.
There are a lot of events out there and we all have jobs and personal lives that come first. Saying that, they're a great way to expand your network and a larger network means more people to ask for advice if you need. But how to pick the right ones in the sea of invites? Or how to get onto the radar to receive the invites? I have a calendar of events for the legal industry to help this but if you don't know where to find the best events then take some time to google, read about the speakers, sessions, attendee profile on the website and register an interest. For the ones that look really interesting, block out your diary as early as possible and when you register, try to dedicate that time to participate as much as you can!
Selecting events tailored to your interests not only maximizes the quality of connections but also ensures that the time you invest in networking yields the best possible returns.
Your existing network is a valuable asset for networking, but it can also be neglected or underutilized. To leverage your existing network, you need to maintain contact, offer value, and ask for referrals. For example, you can send regular updates, newsletters, or articles to your contacts, and show interest in their work and achievements. You can also share your insights, resources, or opportunities with them, and help them solve their problems or challenges. Additionally, you can ask them for introductions, recommendations, or feedback, and reciprocate when possible.
Make the time to network NOW and don't wait until you need a favor, job, or introduction. You must uncover the power of your existing network. Here's how: Stay in Touch Drop them a message to check-in. Offer Value Provide insights, tips, or resources (i.e., valuable content, newsletters, or articles). Show Genuine Interest Congratulate them on their career successes to build rapport. Reciprocate It's a two-way street, so offer solutions, guidance, or introductions where possible. Ask for Referrals Don't hesitate to ask for introductions or referrals from your existing network. Give and Take Share your opportunities, resources, or connections with others. For long-term results, you must re-engage and nurture your network.
Online communities are convenient and accessible ways to network, but they can also be overwhelming and competitive. To join online communities, you need to find the right ones, contribute actively, and build trust. For example, you can search for communities that relate to your industry, niche, or passion, and join the ones that have high engagement, quality content, and supportive members. You can also participate in discussions, answer questions, share your opinions, and provide value to the community. Furthermore, you can reach out to other members privately, compliment their work, and invite them to collaborate or connect.
As a head of community, I encourage this! But make sure you pick the right ones or they won't be as beneficial. If you're not sure where to start, the best way is to reach out to peers and ask what groups they are members of and to introduce you. Lots of professions can feel quite lonely so I can't express how wonderful it is to see those in mine benefit from sharing advice, experiences and having a safe place to ask that "stupid" question. There are plenty of people in your field willing to help you - you just need to find them!
Creating your own content is a creative and rewarding way to network, but it can also be demanding and time-consuming. To create your own content, you need to have a clear purpose, target the right audience, and deliver value. For example, you can start a blog, podcast, or video channel to showcase your knowledge, skills, or stories, and attract people who share your vision or values. You can also create valuable content that solves problems, educates, or entertains your audience, and invite them to engage with you. Moreover, you can promote your content on social media, email, or other channels, and collaborate with other content creators.
Reach out to organisers and community managers like me and suggest topics that you can contribute to and the format that will work best for you and your peers if you're busy! For example, reach out and suggest a virtual roundtable where you share lessons you've learned with like-minded peers. Or think out the box and create something really unique - One of the events I organise is networking yoga and breakfast for example, which is really popular. Blogs and podcasts are great as they spark conversation and interactions online and are a great way to boost your personal brand an expert in your field or chosen topic!
In the hustle of a busy schedule, strategic networking becomes paramount. Focus on: - Purpose-Driven Networking: Identify your specific goals and objectives. Seek out events or contacts that directly contribute to your professional growth. - Quality Over Quantity: Concentrate on cultivating a few deep connections rather than a broad but shallow network. Meaningful relationships = more opportunities. - Downtime Productivity: Transform downtime into networking time. Engage with industry-related content, share insights, and participate in online discussions to stay connected. In a busy world, the effectiveness of networking hinges on your ability to be intentional, adaptable, and genuinely invested in building relationships that matter.
The pandemic led to a complete shift out of necessity to virtual events and these still exist. If you're strapped for time, try and pick one or two in-person events that year and top up with less time consuming virtual events like roundtables hosted on zoom - you will meet a small number of like-minded people and have a chance to speak yourself. Webinars are good for market updates but aren't interactive so it's a useful platform but they don't offer the networking angle. Ask your peers and providers what they attend/host. In the legal world for example, people like me and law firms will arrange smaller sessions that offer networking with less time commitment (virtually or in-person)