In an article I wrote for Careerealism called Why Networking Must be More Than an Event, I talked about the importance of reimagining your concept of networking. I recalled how I made a new connection while riding the bus by simply asking someone about the book they were reading. I argued that with every person you interact with on a daily basis, you have an opportunity to learn something—so, you should take every opportunity to engage with new people. Most importantly, I said that young professionals must transition from the notion of networking as an event to networking as a series of activities.
You’re probably thinking, “Okay, but what are some practical things we can be doing to make that thinking a reality?” Briefly, here are 3.5 things that you can do at anytime to contribute to the cultivation of your network.
1. Use Twitter to find professionals with similar interests.
While Twitter is by no means new anymore, the ways in which its 288 million monthly users are using it are constantly evolving. One way I recommend you take advantage of the service is by seeking out people with similar interests as you—then engaging them, and following the people they follow. The obvious neat thing about Twitter as that it allows you to interact with anyone—your friend, family member, a famous writer or the senior vice-president of your favourite company. They’re all a click or keyword search away.
2. Leverage LinkedIn to investigate career paths and professional relations.
You all know the saying: It’s not about what you know; it’s who you know. Well, I like to say it’s both. Of course, knowing the right people certainly helps in securing opportunities; however, simply knowing information—knowing of people, being aware of who is involved with what, understanding who’s connected to who in your city (even if not to you)—can be very valuable in navigating complex professional spheres and job markets.
3. Read blogs—and comment!
You are already on the Internet all the frickin’ time. You might as well be doing something meaningful—like supporting the work of other people by reading and sharing their content. It’s such an easy way to give, to make someone’s day. Don’t stop there, however. If you read something, tell the author what you liked about what you read. Comment on someone else’s comment. Make yourself a part of the community. Be genuine.
3.5 Talk to people you already know
Often-overlooked resources are people you already know. They may be primed to help you—with an uncle in a high-level position, with stories of failure and success, with a history in a profession you weren’t even aware of—but they simply need to be prompted, to be asked, and to be questioned. Get on that.