A Blazingly Simple Guide to Build a Better Network

A blazingly simple guide to build a better network.

I am a reserved person and can’t easily initiate conversations. Yet, I have built a strong network of 1000s, got 4 jobs in as many countries, and grew personally and professionally.

Here is how I built my network, and you can, too.

1. Attend conferences, seminars, and meetups.
   • These events don’t have to be related to your industry.
   • Remember, a wider net catches more fish.

2. Join Professional Associations:

1. • A computer society, a fishermen’s club, a Chamber of Commerce – any of these can be great for newer and important business connections.
   • These places always look for volunteers. Offer a helping hand.

3. Leverage Social Media:

1. • Use platforms like LinkedIn or X to connect with industry professionals.
   • Send a personal note or DM suggesting why you want to connect.
   • Ask your connections to help you connect with others.
   • Send a DM to someone new every week. Why not? What’s the worst that can happen?

4. Follow Up:

1. • Always follow up with new contacts after meeting them.
   • Try to find something interesting about them when you meet them.
   • Or, remember something important about them. But don’t be creepy.

5. Be Genuine:

1. • Show genuine interest in others and their work.
   • Listen intently, don’t just hear.
   • Don’t look at your mobile or watch while talking

6. Offer Help:

1. • Be willing to help others without expecting anything in return.
   • Don’t ask for help or demand they help you, as soon you connect with someone.

7. Practice Active Listening:

1. • Listen more than you speak and show empathy.
   • Match with their mood and energy level

8. Prepare an Elevator Pitch:

1. • Have a concise and compelling introduction ready.
   • Think how you would deliver an impactful introduction without boasting about your achievements.

9. Volunteer:

1. • Offer your time and skills to causes you care about.
   • You will be surprised who you may meet as a volunteer

10. Be Consistent:

1. • Regularly engage with your network, not just when you need something.
   • Be consistent in your efforts. Attending just one meetup will not help you build a big network

11. Ask Open-Ended Questions:

1. • Encourage meaningful conversations by asking open-ended questions.
   • Open-ended questions can be a great way to know someone better.
   • An example is, “what do you enjoy most about your <career> <job> <city>…

12. Share Knowledge:

1. • Share valuable information and insights with your network.
   • Don’t assume that everyone knows what you know

13. Follow Industry News:

1. • Stay updated with the latest trends and news in your industry.
   • Your knowledge can make you look approachable at events

14. Seek Mentorship:

1. • Find mentors and also offer to mentor others.
   • Don’t worry about rejections. Be persistent, but not annoying.

Last, but not the least,

• Be Patient. Remember, building a strong network takes time and effort.