You're eager to expand your professional network. Which networking platforms and tools should you prioritize?

The first thing you need to do before networking on LinkedIn is to optimise your profile. Why? Because when you send a connection request, the recipient will view your profile. If it’s unclear what you offer or what your expertise is, you risk missing out on valuable connections and opportunities to grow your network.

I have met some valuable contacts via LinkedIn or to be more precise I learn about their work, interests and projects. That way when I meet them in person I have genuine points of conversation to tap into.

LinkedIn is a powerful tool for professional networking. To make the most of it, create a profile that showcases your skills and experience. Connect with industry leaders, peers, and potential mentors. Engage by commenting thoughtfully and sharing relevant content. Active participation is crucial; just being there won't get you far.

To expand your professional network, I would suggest the following networking platforms and tools: First, LinkedIn is a great start. Don't forget to consider LinkedIn Groups as an extension. Second, I would look at any schools you attended. Find directories or groups associated with your college, university or even high school. If you are searching for a new job, many career centers also support alumni. Finally, I would research associations that are involved in your industry or desired sector. Associations exist to promote networking and education. Many associations have local chapters or virtual events to expand your network.

In-person networking events are a valuable top-of-funnel marketing strategy. There are two types: generic and targeted. 1. A generic event could be a local Chamber of Commerce gathering with a general business audience, where it could be difficult to anticipate whether your target market will be there 2. A targeted in-person event that your target group will likely attend, e.g. a professional association, industry, or issue-oriented event. Remember that your goal here is always to connect now and follow up later. It is never to sell on the spot. I do not recommend the "elevator pitch" approach for in-person events. Instead, add value by asking an interesting question then listen for needs and hopes you may be able to address.

Implementing the Visibility – Credibility – Profitability (VCP) model can significantly boost your professional development and business growth. Joining organisations like Business Network International (BNI) is an excellent initial step. BNI provides a structured environment that enables business owners to cultivate valuable relationships, refine marketing strategies, and build a robust referral network—essential resources for startups aiming to establish a strong market presence. Exploring a variety of networking events is also beneficial; it allows you to broaden your network, increase visibility, and enhance your credibility, which paves the way for profitable opportunities.

A Networking event is NOT the place to sell. It is, however, the place to make connections and seize opportunities. Effective networking begins with 1) having a networking plan, 2) having a killer 30-second commercial that answers the questions of who - is an ideal client by levels of mgmt, industry niches; what - products/services you offer, and, why - someone would be interested in working with you--this is your value proposition, 3) identifying who your synergy partners are, and finally, training your partners so that they clearly understand who is an ideal referral for you. Be consistent with your networking activities: attend, be on time, dress for success, volunteer to help, and always respond to a warm referral within 24-48 hours.

Search for events based on industry, location, or interest. Regular attendance at relevant events will help you build relationships. Engage with speakers, organizers, and fellow attendees during and after events. Follow up with new connections on LinkedIn or via email.

You need to be selective on what networking events you choose to attend however no new contact is the wrong contact as you never know who knows who! The power of face to face quality conversations in my opinion is very powerful. It is important to not just look to pitch your offering as soon as you get the chance though, be sure to ask lots of questions and get someone to open up about their business journey as this will help build trust and you then have the ability to discuss what you do understanding potential problems you can help them with. Look at your target audiences and research ahead before you attend if you can too.

Aproveitar os eventos online abre suas fronteiras de atua??o. O importante é saber filtrar os eventos e participar daqueles que de fato você possa contribuir e compartilhar.

Eine gute Online Community ist Gold wert! Anfang des Jahres war ich zum ersten Mal bei #WOL #Frauenst?rken dabei & habe dort enorm viel gelernt, meinen Horizont erweitern k?nnen & unz?hlig viele tolle neue Kontakte getroffen, mit denen ich immer noch eng verbunden bin. Es ist spannend zu sehen, welche beruflichen M?glichkeiten dort entstehen k?nnen.

aún no me acostumbro a postear a diario, pero si veo la necesidad de la "presencia digital", se dan gran número de oportunidades para todos...desde, hacia, para...etc. En fin si logras un espacio debes estar preparado para la ola, es fuerte y continua.

Having your personal brand nailed down before you start networking is essential. It's often overlooked so when people attend events, they don't have a consistent message around what they do. Not only does it consist of what you say, but also how you behave and appear at events.

Este é um dos temas mais importantes e que as pessoas nao d?o muita aten??o. Em segundos você analisa e é analisado pelos demais. Muito importante a roupa, a combina??o, o cabelo, barba, unhas e detalhes que fazem toda a diferen?a. Ser moderado ao falar e ser mais ouvinte. N?o queira ser o destaque do evento.

Personal Branding is key - meiner Meinung nach! Je klarer man die eigene pers?nliche Marke definiert, kennt & kommuniziert, desto besser kann man mit neuen Kontakten in Verbindung treten & langfristige authentische Beziehungen aufbauen. Es ist ganz wichtig, den eigenen USP zu kennen & diesen zu transportieren. Sowohl inhaltlich, visuell als auch durch den pers?nlichen Auftritt. Es gibt bekanntlich keine zweite Chance für einen ersten Eindruck.

Você precisa se tornar propriedade intelectual do seu próprio projeto. ATue com conteúdos relevantes e n?o segure para si seus conhecimentos. Compartilhe.

Aqui compartilho algumas dicas de plataformas e apps: 1. LinkedIn. 2. Rapportive 3. Followup.cc 4. Meetup 5. Reddit Dica adicional O bom relacionamento pode n?o ser natural para todas as pessoas, mas seguindo algumas dicas de prepara??o e comportamento em eventos, você pode aumentar a eficácia do seu networking.

O mundo digital faz parte da nossa vida cotidiana, reuni?es online s?o muito naturais e reduz o tempo de buscar novas conex?es. Inicie relacionamentos através desta modalidade de reuni?es e depois desenvolva e aperfei?oe no presencial.