If you have a business, network.
This is valid regardless of your field of activity. This practice has become widely democratized. Just look at the number of structures that emerge each year and always offer more networking options.
Register on professional social networks
To expand your community and working groups, there are many online platforms (see our comparison) that can help you achieve your goal and give you advice.
But be careful, it is not about registering anywhere, or everywhere.
Before registering on an online social network. Compare and determine the use you want to make of it! Make sure that it is adapted to the target community you are aiming for.
Target the right people
Once registered on a few professional social networks. Here again, it is not a question of targeting everyone!
Before even starting this type of approach, start by talking to people around you before trying with strangers.
See among your former colleagues or classmates, if someone could be useful to you.
Meet people in your field of activity. There are plenty of opportunities! Even during Covid!
Reciprocity, the basis of a solid relationship
Exchanges are the basis of effective and quality networking.
Bring value to your network members.
Exchange your contacts, your best practices, your business opportunities. In short, help others develop their project and/or their career.
Weaving a network also means animating and developing it!
You will soon reap the benefits. Maybe not immediately, but sooner or later, it will pay off. Be patient.
Don’t worry about those who don’t return the device. Those who don’t play the game are usually identified very quickly. You’ll usually know before you even do business with them. Everything gets out eventually.
Don’t waste your time with this type of profile that will sooner or later disappear from your environment. Nowadays, it is impossible to go very far by playing it personal all the time. Doing so is a form of marketing and social suicide.
Virtual Networking is Good. Real Life is Better
Have you ever noticed how the connections that are made in person can be much more qualitative than a Linkedin contact?
The current period (Covid) certainly makes things a little more complicated. But it won’t last forever!
Attend events! Go to conferences related to your field, or for jobs related to your sector.
These are ideal places to meet people and have new opportunities.
Get out of your private sphere and your comfort zone. Diversify your relationships!
Trade fairs, conferences, seminars, training courses, must be transformed into opportunities for you. See these events as real networking tools.
Conclusion
It is extremely important, if you have not already done so, to take an interest in networking. At least, if you want a bright future for your business.
Even if you are not a company or a professional. The network has its importance for your career or your job search. Creating a profile on Linkedin or other professional social networks can not hurt you!
This is true for almost any job. It is possible these days to find a job by going to a coffee shop (when they open again).
All meetings should be seen as a real opportunity for you!
It is an opportunity to have exchanges and why not create links.
You never know in advance which members will boost your business. So give your all in every relationship you have.
You now know how important it is for companies, and even for an individual, to know how to create a network.
You now need to learn, in the rules of the art, this practice. A good basis for increasing your skills could be to consult all our articles on the subject.