Tips for Building a Professional Network

If you want your business to succeed, it’s important to think beyond your colleagues and build a strong professional network that includes veterans in your industry as well as potential clients. While many people are intimidated by the thought of business networking, if you jump right in, it won’t be long before your circle of business associates grows—and with it, your business.

There are several ways you can build a strong professional network. You can join local business networking groups for people in your industry and network with other professionals online. Stepping out of your comfort zone will help you connect with as many people as possible.

If you’re just beginning to build your network and you’re nervous, start with online networking.

Networking websites, such as LinkedIn and Google +, can help you connect with former coworkers, old college classmates, and people with interests similar to yours. To build a strong professional network online, you'll need to create a professional business profile that includes a high-quality photo, and keep it up to date. In many cases, you’ll network with others via online groups or forums. Choose your groups wisely, and commit to the groups you choose. The more active you are, the more people will take you seriously, and the more you recommend people in your professional network, the more they'll recommend you.

While it seems easier to network online, you’ll build a strong professional network faster by networking in person. Make it a goal to attend one industry or networking event each month to meet people, but don’t go to these events without a networking plan. Bring business cards or other printed materials to hand out, and be prepared to promote yourself and your business quickly and professionally. According to a recent article on Business2Community.com, you should have a twelve-second commercial ready before you attend a networking event. Your commercial should tell others who you are and what you do. Use this information as an ice breaker, and then take time to listen to the person you’re talking to.

Interacting with others online and at events is a way to start building your professional network. To further expand your business, be sure to follow up with all the new leads you obtain. Even a simple email telling new acquaintances that you enjoyed speaking with them will help people start to remember you—and the more people commit you to their memory, the larger your professional network will grow.

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