TIN #074 - 9 Tips to Supercharge Your Networking in the New Year
Make Your Resolution To Be A Better Networker Stick With These Tips
Happy New Year, fellow introverted networkers!
As we step into a new year, many of us are setting resolutions.
If enhancing your networking skills is on your list, you're in luck!
Today, I'm sharing nine practical tips (plus a special bonus) to boost your networking game in the new year.
Remember, it's not about grand gestures but consistent, small steps that lead to great results.
This issue takes about 4 minutes to read.
But Before We Get Started…
Each week, I post a new podcast with tips you’ll find in the weekly newsletter and bonus stories, wisdom, and motivation. The Introverted Networker podcast is like the weekly newsletter but with additional narration and thoughts from me. Be sure to listen to this week’s podcast and check out the previous episodes of the podcast as well.
The video version of the podcast is available on my YouTube channel.
9 Things To Improve Your Networking This Year
Recently, I posted these 9 tips on LinkedIn and asked my followers to tell me what number 10 should be.
Here are the tips I gave with the special bonus tip from one of my LinkedIn followers:
1. Get Active on Social Media
Social Media: Your Networking Arena Dive into the world of social media, not just as a spectator but as a participant.
Comment, share, and post your views.
It's about making your presence known and sharing value that attracts people to your profile.
2. Find Communities with Similar Interests
Your Tribe Awaits Whether online or offline, find communities that align with your professional interests.
This is about connecting with like-minded individuals and expanding your network in areas that genuinely interest you.
3. Open Yourself Up for Connections
Be Accessible, Be Discoverable On platforms like LinkedIn, ensure you’re approachable.
Let people send you connection requests and follow you. Some people make it hard for people to connect with them by requiring an email address to validate the person seeking the connection knows the other person.
Many people have reasons for this, but it makes it hard for people to connect with them.
If you want to grow your network, make it easy for people to connect with you
A closed door won't open opportunities!
4. Share Your Opinions
Your Voice Matters Whether it’s LinkedIn, Medium, or Quora, start sharing your insights.
Your unique perspective adds value and can position you as a thought leader in your field.
5. Comment on Posts
Engage with Purpose Make your comments count.
Don’t just write “agree” or “Nice Post”
Add to the discussion with questions and insight.
This helps you get noticed by the post author and fellow commenters, broadening your network.
This video has a tip to reframe how you think about comments:
If you need help making your LinkedIn comments count, go follow Craig Davis on LinkedIn. He’s the king of comments.
6. Reconnect with Past Colleagues
Rekindle Old Professional Ties Utilize LinkedIn to reconnect with people from your past roles.
Use the search function to find colleagues from past companies where you worked. If you aren’t already connected to them, send a connection request. If you are connected, send them a message to see how they’re doing.
This can reactivate dormant connections and open new avenues.
7. Make a List of Target Companies
Know Where You Want to Go Identify companies you admire or are curious about.
Make a list of the company names.
Use the list to find people you can connect with from those companies to gain insights and potentially open doors for future opportunities.
8. Update Your Online Profiles
First Impressions Count Ensure your profiles are current, professional, and reflect your active participation in your field.
The new year is a great time to review your profiles and make updates.
This makes you more approachable and credible.
9. Turn Online Connections into Real Conversations
Beyond the Screen Transform digital connections into real-life interactions through calls or video chats.
Focus on having voice to voice conversations. These lead to more meaningful dialogues and stronger connections.
It's about building trust and deeper relationships.
Bonus Tip: HOPE - Help One Person Everyday
Networking with a Heart This gem, suggested by Jenna Minieri, with credit to Jen Gottlieb, stands for making a difference daily.
If you can help one person every day, you'll not only enrich your network but also your life.
Conclusion
Let's make this year about meaningful, purposeful connections.
Remember, it's not about the number but the quality and impact of your interactions.
Happy networking, and always remember to HOPE!