While networking sometimes feels like a waste of time, knowing the right people inevitably will pay off over time.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Your network can help you meet potential customers, collaborators, and advisors who can help you take your business to the next level. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
But how do you go about developing a professional network? Let me break down what works for me so that you can try the same.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Use your email list for developing a professional network<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
When subscribers respond to my newsletter, I always get back to them. Sometimes that takes me a few days but I value the conversations and don't take any subscriber for granted.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Building an email list gives me the opportunity to network with professionals in my field at scale. Many people see an email list as an income source - and they certainly are if you can sell via email<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n You can't ignore the fact, though, that email was invented to have conversations. Don't treat your email newsletters as a monologue<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Instead, you can demonstrate thought leadership in your newsletters by sharing strategies or giving your perspective on what is happening in your industry and then incentivize responses to network with your subscribers.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n The first three emails of my Welcome sequence that new subscribers go through contain the following survey:<\/p>\n\n\n\n If you've clicked on one of those links, you're taken to a dedicated landing page that contains my best free content for the related topic.<\/p>\n\n\n\n You'll also never going to see that survey again because I use segmentation to avoid annoying subscribers with a survey they already completed.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n By understanding what goals my subscribers are striving for, I can personalize my newsletters and automated sequences to a high degree.<\/p>\n\n\n\n For example, I can personalize my newsletter in the following ways:<\/p>\n\n\n\n If you want to learn how you can do the same, I'd love to help you. Check out my Email Superpower program<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Attending industry events and trade shows related to your field is a great way to get connected with people in the same industry. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Not only is it an opportunity to network, but it also provides valuable insight into the latest trends and developments in the marketplace. That's one of the reasons I'm so glad to be involved in Scalefest<\/a> and have hosted List Building School<\/a> to unite email marketers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n It can also be a great way to discover new ideas for business growth and even find potential customers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Not only will you gain knowledge about your field, but you may also find inspiring ways to grow your professional network. <\/p>\n\n\n\n This is especially true of smaller, more intimate events which are often able to draw participants from diverse backgrounds who are willing to share their experiences. <\/p>\n\n\n\n With enough motivation and enthusiasm, attending industry events and trade shows can be an invaluable experience that helps you become a well-rounded professional in your field.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Joining a professional organization or association in your industry is one of the best ways to stay up to date on current trends, find job opportunities, and connect with potential employers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n By joining one of these organizations, you can take advantage of educational workshops and webinars, increase your professional network, learn about upcoming job openings, and gain access to exclusive member-only events. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Additionally, volunteer roles within the association can be a great way to get noticed by employers and enhance your skill set. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Making time for these organizations gives you a chance to grow professionally, build relationships with influential people in your field, and work toward your career goals.<\/p>\n\n\n\n This shouldn't come as a surprise.<\/p>\n\n\n\n In today's increasingly interconnected digital world, making connections through social media and groups of professionals (online and offline) is essential for any business or individual looking to succeed. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Developing a professional network without the strategic use of social media and online groups is incredibly hard.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Platforms such as LinkedIn, Twitter, and even Facebook can provide a wealth of valuable contacts that could help you reach the next level in your career or service. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Recommended reading: How you can spend less time on Twitter and still get more followers<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Don't ignore those platforms just because you get direct messages with irrelevant sales pitches on them.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Taking the time to create meaningful connections with like-minded individuals on these platforms can open the door to more opportunities and relationships than ever before. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Especially for LinkedIn, you can search through company names, industries, and positions - or through 2nd or 3rd-level connections and expand your professional network very effectively.<\/p>\n\n\n\n To stand out online - stand up. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Don't worry about people not liking you. In fact you should celebrate it. <\/p>\n\n\n\n The truth is that one third won't like you - one third won't care - but one third will love you. That's your tribe. <\/p>\n\n\n\n The rule of thirds is true whether you show a fake face to the world - or a true one. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Scale showing up authentically and you'll attract clients who love the real you for the reasons which matter most to you.<\/p>\nBob Gentle<\/a> - amplifyme.agency<\/a><\/cite><\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n Making use of the many features each platform offers can give a unique insight into getting connected with people in a way that suits your needs - remember that developing a professional network requires strategic connections and not just accepting everybody's friend requests. <\/p>\n\n\n\n So if you're serious about boosting your career goals, take some time to connect with people on these amazing platforms today!<\/p>\n\n\n\n My personal favorite platform is Twitter - I just love how easy it is to strike up conversations. You can find your ideal clients on Twitter very easily, no matter what industry you're in.<\/p>\n\n\n\n To be as efficient as possible, I'm using the Engagement Builder in Hypefury:<\/p>\n\n\n Just this feature alone is worth the price for the software - not to mention the AI suggestions for tweets, templates to leverage, and the integration with LinkedIn. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Start your free trial today<\/a> if you want to grow your audience and sales on Twitter.<\/p>\n\n\n\n It's important to stay connected with all of the people you've networked with throughout your professional and personal relationships.<\/p>\n\n\n\n While this is technically not developing a professional network in the sense of adding new people to it, keeping conversations going with people who already are in your network is critical.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Following up with former colleagues, clients, and classmates allows you to keep up-to-date on their news and milestones while maintaining a valuable connection that can benefit your own career growth or success.<\/p>\n\n\n\n That's where platforms like LinkedIn come into play and make your life super easy \ud83d\ude09 <\/p>\n\n\n\n While I'm not the best at staying in touch with my school classmates, I am VERY careful to not close any doors with former clients or colleagues - you never know what opportunities arise.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Maintaining these connections can also be important for professional development if, for instance, you need references for future job opportunities. <\/p>\n\n\n\n More people than ever are developing a professional network to advance in their careers and not just as entrepreneurs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Staying in touch, therefore, reinforces existing relationships, keeps conversations flowing, and helps create an active network of supportive people in your life.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Networking can be both a fun and intimidating experience. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Attending networking events designed specifically for professionals is an optimal way to expand your contacts. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Developing a professional network is easy if you can get into exclusive groups like BIP100<\/a> or the Society Of Independent Creators<\/a> from Daren.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Your network becomes your support system. They know the path ahead of you that you can\u2019t see yet, and they provide a map to help you get from where you are to where you want to go.<\/p>\nDaren Smith<\/a> - Craftsman Creative<\/a><\/cite><\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n These events bring people of the same industry together and are valuable resources because they provide access to knowledge, support, advice, and potential collaboration opportunities that you may have not been previously aware of. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Networking can also open up career opportunities or inform you of internship openings, job fairs, or continuing education courses centered around topics relevant to your profession. <\/p>\n\n\n\n It is also a great opportunity to gain insight into different paths in the same industry. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Make sure you're prepared by researching the event details so that you're able to make the most out of it - dress professionally, practice conversations beforehand with friends or colleagues, and create your own professional-looking business cards (yes, they are still relevant for in-person events) so that others can easily recall who you are.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Being a resource for others is extremely rewarding. I love connecting people with each other when I can because that makes me feel better - you could call me selfish for wanting to help others.<\/p>\n\n\n\nUnderstanding what your subscribers want is critical in building your network<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
![\"I](\"https:\/\/www.kconsult.services\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/segmenting-questions.png\")
\n
Attend industry events and trade shows related to your field<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Get involved with professional organizations and associations in your industry<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Connect with people on LinkedIn, Twitter, and other social media platforms<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\n
![\"Developing](\"https:\/\/www.kconsult.services\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/hypefury-engagement-builder-953x1024.png\")
<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\nMake an effort to keep in touch with former colleagues, clients, and classmates<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Attend networking events or join networking groups specifically designed for professionals<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\n
The network I\u2019ve built over the last year is one of the reasons my business has grown so fast compared to past attempts. Partnering with industry leaders, learning from friends who had already found the success I was looking to achieve, and - as Derek Sivers says - \u201ccalling the destination and asking for directions\u201d has made all the difference. <\/p>\n\n\n\nBe a resource for others - offer advice and help when you can<\/h2>\n\n\n\n