Day 21: How to Build a Strong Professional Network & How to build one on LinkedIn

A. Build a Strong Professional Network:

Building a strong professional network is crucial for career growth, discovering opportunities, and gaining valuable insights. A robust network can open doors to new jobs, partnerships, and mentorship opportunities. Here’s how you can cultivate and expand your professional network effectively.

1. Identify Your Networking Goals

Before you start networking, it’s important to define what you want to achieve. Are you looking for new job opportunities, seeking mentorship, or aiming to connect with industry peers? Knowing your goals will help you focus your efforts and make meaningful connections.

For example, Parvati, a young marketing professional, set a goal to connect with senior marketing leaders for mentorship and guidance. She tailored her networking efforts accordingly and successfully found a mentor who provided valuable career advice.

Action Tip: Take a few minutes to identify your networking goals. Write down what you hope to achieve through networking and use this as a guide for your efforts.

2. Attend Industry Events and Conferences

Industry events and conferences are excellent opportunities to meet new people and expand your network. Attend events related to your field, whether they’re local meetups, webinars, or large conferences. These events provide a chance to connect with like-minded professionals and industry leaders.

For instance, Alex, a tech entrepreneur, attended several startup conferences and networking events. These experiences helped him build relationships with potential investors, partners, and clients, significantly growing his professional network.

Action Tip: Look for upcoming industry events, conferences, or webinars related to your field. Make a plan to attend and actively engage with other attendees.

3. Leverage LinkedIn Effectively

LinkedIn is a powerful tool for networking. Connect with colleagues, industry peers, and thought leaders. Regularly engage with your connections by liking, commenting, and sharing their content. Join relevant groups and participate in discussions to expand your reach.

Take Sarah, a sales executive, who used LinkedIn to connect with professionals in her industry. By sharing her own content and engaging with others, she built a strong network of contacts and gained valuable industry insights.

Action Tip: Optimize your LinkedIn profile and start connecting with people in your industry. Engage with their content and join relevant groups to expand your network.

4. Build Relationships, Not Just Connections

Networking is about building genuine relationships, not just collecting business cards. Focus on creating meaningful connections by offering value, being helpful, and staying in touch. Follow up after meetings or events to nurture these relationships over time.

For example, Julia, a freelance consultant, made a habit of following up with new connections by sending personalized emails or messages. This approach helped her build strong, lasting relationships and resulted in multiple client referrals.

Action Tip: After meeting someone new, send a follow-up message to express your appreciation and interest in staying connected. Offer help or resources if possible to build a meaningful relationship.

5. Seek Out and Offer Mentorship

Mentorship can be a valuable component of your professional network. Seek out mentors who can provide guidance and advice based on their experiences. Additionally, consider offering mentorship to others in your field. This two-way exchange can be beneficial for both parties.

For instance, Mike, a project manager, sought out a mentor in his industry to gain insights into career progression. At the same time, he mentored junior colleagues, which helped him solidify his own knowledge and build a reputation as a supportive leader.

Action Tip: Identify potential mentors in your field and reach out to them. Also, consider offering mentorship to others and share your knowledge and experiences.

6. Participate in Professional Associations

Joining professional associations or organizations related to your industry can provide networking opportunities and access to exclusive resources. These associations often host events, provide training, and offer platforms for connecting with other members.

For example, Lisa, a finance professional, joined the CFA Institute and actively participated in their events and forums. This involvement helped her network with other finance professionals and stay updated on industry trends.

Action Tip: Research and join professional associations related to your field. Attend their events and engage with other members to expand your network.

7. Utilize Informational Interviews

Informational interviews are a great way to learn more about a specific role, company, or industry while building your network. Reach out to professionals in roles or companies you’re interested in and request a brief informational interview. This can lead to valuable connections and insights.

For instance, Ben, a graphic designer, reached out to senior designers at various agencies for informational interviews. These conversations not only provided him with career advice but also expanded his network within the design community.

Action Tip: Identify professionals whose roles or companies interest you. Reach out and request an informational interview to learn more and build your network.

8. Be a Resource for Others

Networking is a two-way street. Be proactive in offering support, sharing resources, and helping others in your network. This approach can build goodwill and strengthen your relationships. When you’re seen as a valuable resource, others are more likely to reciprocate.

For example, Naomi, a marketing strategist, frequently shared industry articles and offered advice to her network. Her willingness to help others led to stronger relationships and a more supportive network.

Action Tip: Look for ways to be a resource for others in your network. Share valuable information, offer assistance, and be supportive to build stronger connections.

Building a strong professional network takes time and effort, but the rewards are well worth it. By identifying your goals, attending events, leveraging LinkedIn, and focusing on genuine relationships, you can create a network that supports your career growth and opens new opportunities.

Action Point: Take one step today to enhance your professional network. Whether it’s attending an event, reaching out to a new connection, or offering help to someone in your network, make it a point to actively build and nurture your relationships.

B. How to do it on LinkedIn?

LinkedIn is all about connections. Building a strong network can open doors to new job opportunities, partnerships, and collaborations. Here’s how to build and grow your LinkedIn network strategically:

1. Connect with People in Your Industry

Start by connecting with colleagues, classmates, and professionals in your industry. This expands your network and increases your visibility to others in your field. Don’t just send a generic connection request—add a personalized message to make it more meaningful.

For example, Ramya, a UX designer, made it a habit to connect with people she met at conferences and webinars, adding a note like, “Great to meet you at the UX conference! I’d love to stay connected.”

Action Tip: When sending connection requests, always include a brief, personalized message explaining why you want to connect.

2. Start with People You Know

The best way to begin building your LinkedIn network is by connecting with people you already know. This includes colleagues, classmates, mentors, and previous managers. Once you’ve established a solid foundation, you can start connecting with people outside your immediate network.

Example:

Ashok began by connecting with colleagues from his current and previous jobs. He then reached out to former classmates and professors, which helped him quickly build a network of over 500 connections.

Action Tip:

Review your contact list and send connection requests to people you’ve worked or studied with. Personalize each request to remind them of your shared experience.

3. Engage with Your Network Regularly

Once you’ve built your network, stay active and engage with your connections. Like, comment on, and share posts that are relevant to your industry. This keeps you visible and strengthens your relationships.

For example, Ahmed, a software engineer, regularly commented on articles and posts related to tech trends. This helped him stay on his connections' radar, and he even received a few job leads as a result.

Action Tip: Set aside time each week to engage with your LinkedIn network by commenting on and sharing relevant content.

4. Join LinkedIn Groups

LinkedIn groups are a great way to connect with like-minded professionals and industry experts. Join groups related to your industry or interests, and participate in discussions to expand your network further.

For instance, Priya, a digital marketer, joined several marketing groups on LinkedIn. By actively participating in discussions, she gained new insights and connected with professionals who later became clients.

Action Tip: Find and join LinkedIn groups that align with your industry or career goals. Engage in discussions to build new connections.

5. Follow Thought Leaders and Companies

Follow industry leaders and companies that align with your career goals. This keeps you updated on trends and job openings and gives you the opportunity to engage with their content.

For example, Chris, a finance professional, followed CEOs and companies in the fintech space. By staying informed and engaging with their posts, he gained valuable insights and increased his visibility in the industry.

Action Tip: Follow at least five thought leaders and companies relevant to your career. Like or comment on their posts to stay engaged.

6. Be Open to Networking Opportunities

Networking isn’t just about building connections when you need something—it's about fostering relationships that can lead to future opportunities. Keep an open mind and be willing to help others in your network, as this can lead to reciprocal benefits down the line.

For example, Amina, a freelance graphic designer, helped a fellow designer by sharing a job lead, and a few months later, that connection referred her to a high-paying client.

Action Tip: Be generous with your network—share job leads, insights, and advice. You never know when someone might return the favor.

7. How to Optimize Your LinkedIn Network

Your LinkedIn network is more than just a collection of connections—it’s a valuable resource for finding opportunities, getting insights, and building your professional reputation. But having a large number of connections isn’t enough; you need to optimize your network to ensure it’s diverse, relevant, and engaged. Here’s how you can make the most of your LinkedIn network.

a. Connect with Purpose

When you’re adding connections, think about why you’re connecting with them. Instead of randomly adding people, focus on connecting with individuals who can provide value, such as industry peers, potential mentors, or decision-makers in your field. A targeted approach ensures that your network is more meaningful and beneficial.

For example, Nina, a graphic designer, initially added anyone who sent her a connection request. When she started being more strategic and connecting with other designers, creative directors, and potential clients, she found her network more engaged and valuable for her career growth.

Action Tip: Review your recent connection requests. Accept those that align with your career goals and industry, and consider reaching out to others who fit these criteria.

b. Personalize Your Connection Requests

Sending a personalized connection request can make a big difference. Instead of using the default message, take a moment to write a short note explaining why you want to connect. This small gesture can increase the likelihood that your request will be accepted and start your relationship on a positive note.

For example, Abraham, a marketing strategist, wanted to connect with a senior marketing executive. He included a personalized message explaining his admiration for the executive’s work and his interest in learning more about their industry insights. This approach resulted in a meaningful connection and even a subsequent informational interview.

Action Tip: When sending connection requests, include a brief, personalized message. Mention a common interest or reason for connecting to make your request stand out.

c. Engage with Your Network Regularly

Don’t just add connections and forget about them. Regularly engaging with your network helps keep relationships fresh and meaningful. Like, comment, and share posts from your connections, and provide thoughtful feedback or congratulations when appropriate.

Take Jessica, an HR professional, who made it a habit to regularly engage with her network by commenting on posts and sharing relevant content. This proactive approach kept her top of mind for her connections and led to more opportunities for collaboration and job referrals.

Action Tip: Set aside 10-15 minutes a few times a week to engage with your network. Like and comment on posts, share useful content, and reach out to connections with a quick message or note.

d. Join Relevant LinkedIn Groups

LinkedIn groups are a great way to connect with people in your industry and stay updated on industry news and discussions. Join groups that align with your professional interests and actively participate in conversations. This will help you expand your network and showcase your expertise.

For example, Shankar, a financial analyst, joined several LinkedIn groups related to finance and investment. By participating in discussions and sharing his insights, he not only expanded his network but also positioned himself as a knowledgeable professional in his field.

Action Tip: Find and join 2-3 LinkedIn groups relevant to your industry or interests. Participate in discussions and share your expertise to make meaningful connections.

e. Follow Industry Influencers

Following industry influencers can provide valuable insights and help you stay on top of trends. These influencers often share articles, opinions, and updates that can enhance your knowledge and keep you informed about important developments in your field.

Take Ayesha, a software developer, who followed leading tech influencers and engaged with their content. This practice not only kept her informed about the latest tech trends but also helped her connect with other professionals who followed the same influencers.

Action Tip: Identify 5-10 industry influencers relevant to your field and follow them on LinkedIn. Regularly engage with their content to stay informed and expand your professional network.

f. Leverage Alumni Networks

Your alumni network can be a powerful tool for professional growth. Reach out to former classmates or alumni from your school who are working in your industry or field of interest. They can offer advice, job leads, or introductions to others in their network.

For instance, Rachel, a recent graduate, used LinkedIn to connect with alumni from her university who were working in marketing. By reaching out and asking for informational interviews, she gained valuable insights and even secured a job referral.

Action Tip: Use LinkedIn’s alumni tool to find and connect with former classmates. Reach out to those in your industry and see if you can set up a virtual coffee chat or informational interview.

g. Create and Share Valuable Content

Sharing your own content can position you as a thought leader in your field. Write articles, share industry news, or post your own insights and experiences. Valuable content not only engages your network but also attracts new connections who are interested in your expertise.

Consider Prabhu, a project manager, who regularly posted about project management best practices and industry trends. His posts received high engagement and attracted new connections who were interested in his insights.

Action Tip: Start creating and sharing content relevant to your industry. Write a post or share an article that reflects your expertise and interests.

h. Regularly Update Your Profile and Connections

As your career progresses, make sure your LinkedIn profile and connections are up to date. Regularly review and refresh your profile to reflect your current role, achievements, and skills. Also, periodically assess your connections to ensure they are still relevant to your career goals.

For example, after Swarna got a promotion, she updated her LinkedIn profile to reflect her new role and responsibilities. She also removed connections that were no longer relevant and added new ones who aligned with her current career goals.

Action Tip: Schedule a quarterly review of your LinkedIn profile and connections. Update your profile to reflect any recent changes and clean up your connections list as needed.

Optimizing your LinkedIn network is about more than just collecting connections. It’s about building meaningful relationships, staying engaged, and leveraging your network to create new opportunities. By following these steps, you can enhance the value of your LinkedIn network and make the most of the platform.

Action Point: Take one action today to optimize your LinkedIn network. Whether it’s sending a personalized connection request or joining a new group, make sure it’s something that will help you build stronger professional relationships.

Other content :

Action Summary

1. Define Your Goals: Identify what you want from your networking efforts, whether it's mentorship, job opportunities, or industry connections.
2. Engage Actively: Attend industry events and engage on LinkedIn to build relationships, not just connections.
3. Utilize Informational Interviews: Reach out to professionals in your field to gain insights and expand your network.
4. Be a Resource: Offer support and share resources with your connections to cultivate goodwill and strengthen relationships.
5. Optimize Your LinkedIn Profile: Regularly update your profile, connect strategically, and share valuable content to enhance your visibility.

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About the Author: Visvanathan Sambasivam

I am a corporate professional, having worked as a Marketing / Consumer Insights professional in various Indian and Global MNCs for the last 30 years, with a passion for mentoring, teaching, and coaching; with a vision of helping 1 million people in their personal and professional growth.

I write regularly on LinkedIn & Facebook and have mentored many people in their professional journey.