It’s no secret that professional contacts are incredibly important when it comes to doing your job well and moving up the career ladder. But turning a list of contacts into a real network is not an easy task. How do you form a connection with another professional that seems genuine and authentic? We’ve gathered our best practical tips on how to build a professional network to help you with that.
Ask yourself why that connection matters
One crucial aspect of any networking connection is understanding the foundation of this particular contact and why your network needs it. Before approaching a potential connection, ask yourself:
- What are your current professional goals?
- What do you aim to achieve in the short and long term?
- How can that connection help you with that?
- What do you have in common with them?
- How could it be a conversation starter?
For example, say you're looking for a job in artificial intelligence (AI), but aren’t sure how your current skills and experience transfer to the tech industry. An acquaintance from college who just landed a machine learning role would likely be a better source of insight than a marketing manager whose card you picked up at a networking event six months ago. Plus, having shared experiences or interests makes it easier to start a conversation.
Networking may feel transactional at times, but exchanging favors is a natural part of the process. If you believe building connections is key to getting where you want to be, you need to network with intention. And chances are, the people reaching out to you have the same mindset.
Decide the best way to contact that person
Most people are just few clicks away. LinkedIn is often the go-to platform for online networking, but depending on your relationship with the contact, you may want to choose a different approach.
For example, let’s say you're trying to make a career change from engineering to data analysis, and one of your former college professors—whose email address you happen to have—works for a tech startup in data. You could reach out to ask for an informational interview.
This would give you the chance to learn more about the field, build the relationship over time, and position yourself to learn about job openings and opportunities in the industry, all without being pushy.
Figure out how you can be helpful to them
Networking is a two-way street. You can't just ask for help—you should offer it too. Simple gestures like sharing someone's work on LinkedIn or providing a resource they need can go a long way.
For example, if one of your contacts is job hunting and you come across an open position that's a perfect match for them, send them the link. You could also become a networking “matchmaker” by connecting friends or colleagues with the right people who can help with a project or business partnership when you know they need it.
To make this work, you’ll need to be an active user on LinkedIn or whatever networking platform you use. Don’t just mindlessly scroll—actively engage with what people are sharing and talking about. This way, you'll naturally find opportunities to connect with others when the time is right.
Become a professional people want to know
To build a strong professional network, you need to be someone others want to connect with. Share your insights and ideas on your page, keep your portfolio updated (if relevant to your field), and make sure to highlight any interesting projects you’re working on. Essentially, become someone people are eager to connect with and reach out to.
Read this next: How to Network on LinkedIn Like a Pro
Bottom line: Be helpful, be strategic, build your network
To transform contacts into genuine connections and build a solid network, you'll need patience and strategy. But as you can see from our networking tips, it’s not rocket science. Reach out to the right people at the right time, with a clear goal in mind, and be just as helpful to others as they are to you. Little by little, you’ll see your network grow.
Amanda Cardoso contributed to the latest version of this article.