There’s an adage that says, “Your network is your net worth.” While you can be successful in business and life without a large professional network, it certainly helps to have a large network when you’re looking to advance your career. That being said, it’s not always easy to build and take advance of your professional network. At Nineteen88 Strategies, we have tips from a networking consultant that will help you strategically build your network and understand how to use it.

Be brave

Getting to know people isn’t always easy. There are times when you’re introduced to someone out of circumstance, you hit it off, and you quickly develop a solid relationship. While this isn’t always how things will go in the professional world, it’s important that you be brave and take the steps necessary to get to know people within your industry. No, it’s not always easy, but you’ll find it’s worth it sometime down the road when you’re looking for something one of the people you’ve been can help you with.

Use social media

After you’ve been officially introduced to a person in your field, take a few minutes to connect with them on social media. Connect with them on LinkedIn, follow them on Twitter, or follow their Facebook page. Social media makes it easy to stay connected with people without being invasive.

Additionally, social media is an easy way to reach out to people you’ve never met before. LinkedIn is specifically designed to network with professionals in your field who you’ve either met in person or know through someone else. If you haven’t formally met the person before, be sure to include a brief description of who you are, what you do, and why you’d like to connect.

Stay positive

Networking can be a frustrating process. You might find that you’re reaching out to people in your industry but not hearing back. It’s important to continue to stay positive because you never know when you’re going to speak with somebody who can have a major impact on your career. Keeping a positive attitude will make you more pleasant and memorable.

Give as much as you get

Building a relationship with someone needs to be mutually beneficial. Don’t go into a meeting asking yourself how this person can help you. Make sure that you have a way to answer that question in reverse. A strong network is built on mutual trust and service to one another. Know what it is that you can bring to the table as much as you know what another person offers you.

Be proactive

Networking takes work, and you can’t always expect people to come to you asking to be a part of your network. Be proactive in seeking out people you would like to get to know and have as a reference for a job application or get information regarding a job opening. If you’re looking to build your network, always be looking for opportunities to meet people by going to events and making conversation when you can.

Be prepared

Networking events aren’t the only place where you’re going to meet people who you’d like to add to your network. You might meet somebody in the hallway at your current job or at a casual social event. While being prepared with an elevator pitch is a great way to introduce yourself, something as small as a business card is an easy way to introduce yourself and provide contact information without being pushy. Keep a few business cards on you at all times in case you run into somebody you’d like to share contact information with.

Schedule a consultation for more

Learn more about building your network to advance your career by getting in touch with our networking consultant at Nineteen88 Strategies. We can help you put together a strong networking strategy that will ensure that you’re able to build relationships with others in your field. Call 703-712-9987 or send a message using our contact form to schedule a consultation today.