17 Ways to Grow Your Network Without Leaving Home

Another day means yet another slew of invitations to connect on LinkedIn from someone saying some version of : "I am looking to expand my network and would like to connect with you." These are the invitations I delete because it is all about them and nothing about us. If they message saying that they saw my speech or read an article about me or that we know someone in common, I almost always say “Yes!” If they connect without a note, I often say yes too, but when there is a generic or self-centered message, I do not. (Yes I am more likely to accept a connection without a note than with a generic or bad one!)

So this had me thinking about one of my favorite topics: networking. You can think of "Networking" as a fancy word for "helping" and here are some tips to do it better - from anywhere.

1. Be Open Source

Introduce contacts, don’t hoard them.

2. Give Generously

Your likes, retweets and comments will build relationships.

3. Don’t Trash Talk Others

It makes people think that they are next on the chopping block.

4. Follow Up Socially

The best time to connect on LinkedIn or Instagram is right after they’ve crossed your path.

5. Use Your First and Last Name When Introducing Yourself.

Don’t be just another “Ann.”

6. Know Your One Liner

Describe what you do in one pithy repeatable sentence.

7. Use Your Professional Photo

When connecting on social media, people want to see your photo, not your baby’s or a company logo.

8. Keep it Positive

Save the car payment talk or your dog’s medical issues for close friends.

9. Be a Helper

Like any currency, give and you will get.

10. Don’t Stick to Those You Know

Cold contacting is an excellent way to build your network and social media makes it easier than ever.

11. Be Persistent, Not Pushy

Contact more than once but don’t stalk or use guilt when someone hasn't responded.

12. Make New Friends But Keep the Old

Stay loyal to your original contacts.

13. Be Gracious

Thank others for invitations, introductions and any other helpful acts.

14. Pay it Forward

Networking is not an eye for an eye game. Help others and they (not necessarily the same others!) will help you.

15. Don’t Oversell

Better to form a relationship and follow up with your pitch later.

16. Say Yes to Invitations

The more out of your comfort zone you go, the more new contacts you will meet.

17. Don’t Take it Personally

Pay no heed to a one time slight. If it happens more than once, forgive and file.

And connect with me (I mean it!) here: LinkedIn | Instagram?|?Twitter | Facebook?|?