The Spirit + Tactics of Building a Lasting Career Network

"The successful networkers I know, the ones receiving tons of referrals and feeling truly happy about themselves, continually put the other person's needs ahead of their own." -- Bob Burg

There are so many words of wisdom that go deep and reveal some of the secrets of networking. Clients in career change in a company and clients who yearn to build their brand quietly, stealthily and effectively struggle often to create the network they need now for what they want soon.

Here are a few painful questions clients ask me and themselves as they enter into change, either by their own choice or by someone else:

• How can I create an effective network quickly that will help me create choices for jobs or opportunities?
• What can I do to shorten the pain of building a network?
• How do I get started and keep momentum in networking because it feels often very fruitless?

Here is the primer. The key to me? It is how you organize your search and that you follow up, persevere and create new bonds of friendship. Those bonds can last a career life.

When searching for a new career opportunity, building and maintaining a professional network is one of the most valuable things you can do. Not only can it help you stay connected to potential job openings and the hidden (and yes there is a big hidden job market), but it can also provide you with valuable insights into your industry, your brand and the journey to your career path ideals.

Here are some tips for building and keeping a new network of professionals as you navigate your career search:

1. Existing Contacts Need Electrification: When building a new network, it's important to start with the people you already know. This might include former colleagues, classmates, or friends who work in your industry. Reach out to these individuals and let them know that you are searching for new career opportunities. Ask if they know of any job openings or if they can provide you with any industry insights. Find out what they are up to and be interested in helping them. Be creative in reengaging or engaging your network. Don't roll in with a woe is me attitude. Let them see you upbeat and happy, excited about things. Electrify them with your new goals!
2. In Person and Online Networking Events Matter: One of the most effective ways to build a new network is to attend networking events. These events can be in-person or virtual and can range from industry conferences to casual meetups. Casual can reveal something about you to others regarding your passion for animals, for building homes for the homeless, for food, for sports, and more. But talk business a bit and mix it up. People can see you and hear from you in social settings and help you in your business networking. Look for events that are relevant to your industry and attend them regularly. Be sure to bring plenty of business cards, online cards on your phone like LINQ and practice your short, upbeat elevator pitch. Most of all listen and enjoy the new network.
3. Professional Organizations Are Starving For You: Don't just join. Get on a panel and lead. I know. I hear from jobseekers all the time that "this might take a lot of time" but use these organizations to further your connections faster. Don't volunteer without knowing the purpose. But yes. Join. Lead. Build new relationships. These organizations often host events, webinars, and conferences that can help you stay up-to-date on industry trends and connect with other professionals in your field. Joining and fast becoming a leader in a professional organization can also help you establish yourself as an expert in your industry.
4. Social Media Is Professional: Social media platforms (I call them professional media for professionals) like LinkedIn and Twitter can be powerful tools for building and maintaining a professional network. Use these platforms to connect with other professionals in your industry, share industry insights, and stay up-to-date on job openings. Be sure to engage with others in your industry by commenting on their posts and sharing their content. If you are in stealthy search be modest here but be active if you can and authentic about staying on your brand topics.
5. Proactive Matters: Building a professional network takes time and effort. Don't wait for opportunities to come to you – be proactive in reaching out to others in your industry. I ask clients to set stretch goals. Reach out to industry leaders that stretch you, that may not overtly have a job for you but who will inspire you after a conversation. For others be creative and being creative means setting up insightful conversations which is my term to replace informational interviews. But whatever you call them talk to people, attend industry events, or connect with others on social media. The more effort you put into building your network, the more valuable it will be. The hard part - being proactive about follow up.
6. Yes, Follow Up Needs Mentioning More Than Once: If you have you've made a new connection, be sure to follow up with them. Send a thank-you email or thoughtful message after meeting someone new and stay in touch with them regularly. They may offer or you may ask them if it is okay to update you on you career search or progress weekly. Many people would love to stay connected constantly. This might mean checking in every week or month or just on if you need a key connection. But get agreement. Go old school and send them a relevant article or industry update. Invite them to an industry event or recommend them on LinkedIn.
7. Giving Mindsets and Giving Back Matters: Finally, remember that networking is a two-way street. Be sure to offer help and support to others in your network whenever possible. This might mean connecting someone with a job opening or offering to introduce them to someone else in your network. By giving back to others, you'll establish yourself as a valuable and trusted member of your industry. Sometimes the person you are networking with has a need that you can help with and if you do it may create that deeper bond that will have them running through a wall to help you. Remember, personal is professional.

Building and maintaining a professional network is an essential part of any career search. By following these tips, you can establish yourself as a valuable member of your industry and stay connected to potential job opportunities and industry insights. You can build a network fast and effectively. Remember, networking takes time and effort, but the rewards are well worth it. Follow up and create those bonds that can last a lifetime with just a few steps. Come to networking with a spirit of putting others first and you will shine.